Electronic control of fluid operations for machines

ABSTRACT

A system. The system includes a control module of a fluid system of a machine, a battery, a fluid component and an electrical circuit. The electrical circuit is configured to electrically couple the battery to the control module via the fluid component, and to activate the control module when the machine is powered down.

BACKGROUND

The present application is a continuation application filed under 35U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/948,037, titledELECTRONIC CONTROL OF FLUID OPERATIONS FOR MACHINES, filed Apr. 9, 2018,which is a continuation application filed under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/210,492, titled ELECTRONIC CONTROL OFFLUID OPERATIONS FOR MACHINES, filed on Mar. 14, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No.9,939,820, which application is related to and claims the benefit ofpriority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/852,384, titledELECTRONIC CONTROL OF FLUID OPERATIONS FOR MACHINES, filed on Mar. 15,2013. Disclosures of each of the forgoing applications are incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety.

Machines such as large-capacity diesel engine systems used in connectionwith construction equipment, earth-moving equipment, transportationequipment (e.g., locomotives) and the like, are often implemented inadverse operating conditions. Typical operating conditions for suchequipment can require extensive maintenance, repair and overhaul work tosustain the equipment and its components, including the engine systems.As a consequence of adverse equipment operating conditions, certainequipment components may be exhausted long before the expected end oftheir useful lives. This component exhaustion can occur despite effortsto ensure proper component installation and maintenance, includingperiodic maintenance of equipment oil supply and lubrication systems,for example. Extensive and premature wear of large-capacity dieselengines, for example, can be caused by a combination of factors,including inadequate lubrication of components prior to engine ignition,failure to adhere to prescribed maintenance schedules, failure tocollect and analyze data associated with equipment operation, systemmalfunction, general misuse of the equipment, and other factors.

Methods and systems for data collection and analysis are thereforeneeded that can extend the useful life of equipment components.Component movement and interaction during various periods of equipmentoperation can impact the continued effective operation and useful lifeexpectancy of the engine system. In connection with operation and/ormaintenance of the engine system during such periods, important datasuch as, for example, temperature, oil pressure, time to evacuate an oilsump, and historical data regarding previous engine ignition cycles canbe collected and analyzed. Conventional equipment methods and systems,however, typically do not collect and analyze data during various stagesof machine operation to assist in operation or maintenance of themachine and its components.

In addition, in the context of performing machine maintenance, there isoften a need for performing multiple evacuations and/or refills of fluidreceptacles. Such fluid receptacles may include, for example and withoutlimitation, oil sumps, transmission fluid reservoirs, fuel tanks,waste-receiving receptacles, hydraulic fluid reservoirs, and other likereceptacles associated with machine operation and maintenance. In manysituations, such fluid evacuation and fluid refill processes may not betimed and/or sequenced to maximize performance of maintenance on amachine. Furthermore, data crucial to scheduling maintenance andmonitoring performance issues with machines are often neither collectednor analyzed during fluid evacuations, fluid refills, or other fluidprocessing activities.

Many industrial machines and equipment have requirements for fluidexchanges. Examples of these fluid exchanges include changing the oil inmotors and engines or hydraulic fluid in presses and lifting equipment.Countless other examples exist, but what is generally common to thesemachines or equipment is the fact that the outlet port is inconvenientlylocated. Typically this is the result of having to remove the fluid froma sump or drainage point that is located at the bottom of the machine toutilize gravity flow.

The tasks of removing and refilling machine fluids may be difficult ortime consuming because of the usually inconvenient location of thefittings required to perform these fluid operations. Some machines,however, may include fluid circulation pumps that are installed andapplied in locations that are external to the machine. Also, someequipment may be provided with one or more internally or externallylocated pre-lubrication devices that permit oil or fluid to commencecirculation prior to the activation of the primary equipment or engineon which the pre-lubrication device is installed. Illustrative of suchdevices is the pre-lubrication device shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,502,431,which is incorporated herein by reference, and which is typically fittedto a diesel engine used in power equipment, trucks and/or heavyequipment.

Furthermore, in certain off-road heavy equipment, reservoirs containingfluids may contain scores of gallons of fluid, which can consumeunacceptably long periods of time to drain and refill. For example, insome equipment, an engine oil sump or reservoir may contain up to 150gallons of oil; a transmission sump may contain up to 100 gallons oftransmission fluid; and a separate reservoir of hydraulic fluid to powerhydraulic functions may contain up to 500 gallons of hydraulic fluid.Downtime costs for relatively large machines and other pieces ofequipment can be substantial. Accordingly, if downtime for maintenancein such machines can be minimized, then substantial economic benefitsoften result. In addition, there are numerous comparatively smallerdevices and motors for which access to fluid discharge ports isdifficult to reach or in which the fluid must be assisted for removal.Examples include marine engines and the like. In some small-sized piecesof equipment, the engine must be inverted to remove oil, for example, orother fluids. For example, see U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,526,782; 5,257,678; and,4,977,978.

Thus, what are needed are improved methods and systems for performingfluid maintenance functions, such as fluid evacuation and refillprocesses, for example, in connection with machine operation andmaintenance. What are also needed are enhanced methods and systems forsequencing and timing fluid operations, while collecting, storing and/oranalyzing data pertinent to the performance and results of such fluidtransfer operations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of one embodiment of a single-reservoirconduit system;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 showing acoupling;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a pump integrally included in a flow controlmeans;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are two views of one embodiment of a coupling for use withvarious embodiments of the present systems and methods;

FIG. 7 is diagrammatic view of one embodiment of a conduit, and acoupling for oil purges;

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic view of one embodiment of a multiple-reservoirconduit system;

FIG. 9 is an electrical schematic diagram for one embodiment of thesystem of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an elevation view of one embodiment of a service panel for afluid evacuation system;

FIG. 11 is an electrical schematic for one embodiment of the system ofFIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a hydraulic schematic diagram of one embodiment of a fluidevacuation system;

FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic view of one embodiment of a dual-pumpmultiple-reservoir conduit system;

FIG. 14 is an electrical schematic diagram for one embodiment of thesystem of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is an elevation view of one embodiment of a control panel for afluid evacuation system;

FIG. 16 is an electrical diagram for one embodiment of the system ofFIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a hydraulic schematic diagram of one embodiment of a multiplepump fluid evacuation system;

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing one embodiment of a replacementfluid conduit system;

FIG. 19 includes a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of afluid system configured for performing one or more fluid processes inaccordance with the present systems and methods;

FIG. 20 includes a schematic diagram displaying one embodiment of acontrol module and various embodiments of data devices configured foruse in accordance with various embodiments of the present systems andmethods;

FIG. 21 includes a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of aninternal data module configured for use in accordance with variousembodiments of the present systems and methods;

FIG. 22 includes a process flow diagram illustrating one methodembodiment provided in accordance with the present systems and methods;

FIG. 23 includes a schematic diagram of one system embodiment providedin accordance with the present systems and methods;

FIG. 24 includes a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of afluid system configured for performing one or more fluid processes inaccordance with the present systems and methods;

FIG. 25A includes an exploded, isometric view of one illustrativeembodiment of a junction block assembly structured for use in accordancewith various embodiments of the present systems and methods;

FIG. 25B includes an isometric view of the junction block assembly ofFIG. 23A;

FIG. 25C includes a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of afluid system including a junction block assembly, a screen and a pumpinstalled within the fluid system;

FIG. 26 includes a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of afluid system configured for performing one or more fluid processes inaccordance with the present systems and methods;

FIG. 27 includes a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of afluid system configured for performing one or more fluid processes inaccordance with the present systems and methods;

FIG. 28 includes a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of afluid system configured for performing one or more fluid processes inaccordance with the present systems and methods;

FIG. 29 includes a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of afluid system configured for performing one or more fluid processes inaccordance with the present systems and methods;

FIG. 30 includes a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of afluid system configured for performing one or more fluid processes inaccordance with the present systems and methods;

FIG. 31 includes a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of afluid system configured for performing one or more fluid processes inaccordance with the present systems and methods;

FIG. 32 includes a schematic representation of a valve assemblystructured in accordance with embodiments of the present systems andmethods;

FIG. 33 includes a schematic representation of a valve system structuredin accordance with embodiments of the present systems and methods;

FIG. 34 includes a schematic representation of a valve assemblystructured in accordance with embodiments of the present systems andmethods;

FIG. 35 includes a schematic representation of a valve system providedin accordance with embodiments of the present systems and methods;

FIG. 36 includes a schematic representation of an illustrative fluidsystem provided in accordance with various embodiments of the presentsystems and methods;

FIG. 37 includes a flow chart illustrating various aspects of fluidoperations that can be performed in accordance with the present systemsand methods;

FIG. 38 includes a schematic representation of a module of valveassemblies provided in accordance with the present systems and methods;

FIG. 39 includes a schematic representation of an electronic valvemodule provided in accordance with various embodiments shown in FIG. 38;

FIG. 40 includes a schematic representation of a valve module providedin accordance with various embodiments of FIGS. 38 and 39;

FIG. 41A through 41C illustrate various modes of operation for aschematically represented connection/disconnection detection systemprovided in accordance with various embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 41D includes a schematic representation of a power supply systemprovided in accordance with various embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 42 schematically illustrates an example of a fluid filtrationapparatus structured in accordance with various embodiments of theinvention;

FIG. 42A schematically illustrates a supplemental pump connected forfluid communication with a main pump of a machine;

FIG. 43 schematically illustrates an example of a fluid filtrationapparatus structured in accordance with various embodiments of theinvention;

FIGS. 44A and 44B schematically illustrate alternative embodiments of anexample of a fluid filtration apparatus structured in accordance withvarious embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 45 schematically illustrates an example of a fluid filtrationapparatus structured in accordance with various embodiments of theinvention;

FIG. 46 includes a process flow diagram illustrating an example ofprocessing various filter triggering conditions in accordance withcertain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 47 includes a schematic depicting various examples of datacommunication and data processing in accordance with various embodimentsof the invention;

FIG. 48 schematically illustrates various examples of fluid reservoirand pump combinations that may be employed in association with variousembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 49 is a side view in partially schematic form of an engine that maybe employed in connection with various embodiments of the invention,with portions broken away or not shown for convenience of disclosure;

FIG. 49A is a sectional side view of a starter and a pre-ignition oilpump mechanism structured for use in connection with the engine of FIG.49;

FIG. 50A includes an example of an electrical diagram that can beconfigured in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 50B includes an example of an electrical schematic that can beconfigured in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 51A includes an example of an electrical diagram that can beconfigured in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention; and,

FIG. 51B includes an example of an electrical schematic that can beconfigured in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention.

DESCRIPTION

The term “machine” as applied herein may include any equipment suitablefor use in accordance with the present methods and systems. Examples of“machines” as applied herein can include, without limitation, alubrication system, engines, diesel engines, large-scale diesel engines,motors, rotating equipment, generators, aircraft engines, emergencymachines, emergency generators, compressors, equipment that includes amachine (e.g., such as mining equipment, construction equipment, marineequipment, aircraft, and the like), and other like machines. In variousportions of the disclosure herein, the example of an “engine” isemployed for convenience of disclosure in describing various embodimentsand aspects of the present systems and methods. It can be appreciated bythose skilled in the art, however, that such use of “engine” as oneexample of a type of machine is intended merely for said convenience ofdisclosure and is not intended to limit the scope of application of thepresent systems and methods.

The term “evacuation” as applied to the systems and methods disclosedherein may include evacuation of any portion of a fluid of a machine, areceptacle, a reservoir, or other like fluid-retaining system orapparatus. Similarly, the term “refill” as applied to the systems andmethods disclosed herein may include refill of any portion of the fluidcapacity of a machine, receptacle, reservoir, or other likefluid-retaining system or apparatus.

The term “valve system” as applied to the systems and methods disclosedherein may include any combination of valves, pipes, disconnects,adapters and other like structural components configured for performingone or more fluid refill and/or fluid evacuation processes. Examples ofvalves included within a valve system may include, without limitation,single-position valves, multi-position valves (e.g., such as junctionblock assemblies or five-way control valves), and other types of valveswith or without electronic control for actuating the various possibleopen/closed positions of such valves. The “multi-position valve”expression, as applied herein, can include a unitary valve mechanism(e.g., a single junction block assembly), or a reasonable combination ofa unitary valve mechanism and other valve components.

Where suitable and applicable to the various embodiments of the presentsystems and methods discussed herein, it can be appreciated that variouscomponents, structures, elements, and other configurations may beapplied or installed in a location considered external or internal tothe operation of a particular machine. In applicable portions hereinwhere the use of pumps and/or supplemental pumps is disclosed, forexample, such pumps may be positioned, installed, or operated asinternal components of a machine and/or as externally positionedcomponents that assist, or otherwise operate in conjunction with, thefunctions of the machine.

As used herein, the term “subsequent” or variations thereof (e.g.,“subsequently”) as used with respect to performance of process or methodsteps is not intended to exclude other potential process or method stepsfrom occurring or being performed between steps that are considered“subsequent” with respect to each other. For example, as applied herein,if step Y occurs “subsequent to” step X, then the intended meaning of“subsequent to” is that step Y occurs at some point in time after step Xoccurs, but other steps may occur in the time period that elapsesbetween the occurrence of step X and step Y. In like fashion, the term“prior” or variations thereof (e.g., “prior to”) as used with respect toperformance of process or method steps described herein is not intendedto exclude other potential process or method steps from occurring orbeing performed between steps that are considered “prior to” withrespect to each other.

As employed herein, the term “type” or “kind” used with regard tovarious fluids discussed herein is intended to distinguish differenttypes or kinds of fluids between/among each other. For example, oil isconsidered one “type” of fluid, transmission fluid is consideredanother, different “type” of fluid, and hydraulic fluid is consideredanother, different “type” of fluid. It should be noted, for example,that a used amount of a “type” of fluid is not considered different withrespect to a clean or fresh fluid of the same “type” (e.g., clean oilused in a fluid refill or replacement process for a machine is notconsidered a different “type” of fluid with respect to the used oildrained from the machine during a fluid evacuation process).

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a portable fluid transfer conduit 10 isshown having an inlet port 11 and outlet port 12. Flexibly extendingbetween inlet and outlet ports 11 and 12 is flexible tubing 13. Invarious embodiments of the present systems and methods, the tubing 13may be made from a natural or synthetic rubber material, braidedstainless steel or polymeric extruded material such as polyethylene orstyrene.

A coupling 14 is attached to the inlet 11. As shown, the coupling 14 isthe male mateable end of a quick disconnect coupling more clearly shownin FIGS. 5 and 6. Alternatively, coupling 14 can be any type of fittingsuch as a screw in or a bayonet type coupling. In one embodiment, afitting is adapted to the outlet of the fluid source. On devices such asa pre-lubrication pump similar to that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,502,431,for example, a bypass or connector means can be inserted on the pressureside of the pump to divert the oil from the engine to the fluid transferconduit 10. An example is disclosed in the discussion of FIGS. 5 and 6presented herein.

Positioned adjacent outlet port 12 is flow control means 16. Flowcontrol means comprises, in one embodiment, an electric or mechanicalvalve for controlling the flow of fluid through the conduit activated byswitch 17. This embodiment is useful where the fluid source does notincorporate a pump means and/or the fluid is gravity transferred. On theother hand, in the case where means such as a pre-lubrication device isused, flow control means 16 is preferably a pass through conduit havingswitch 17 sealably mounted thereon. Switch 17 is electrically connectedby conductor 18 to electrical connector 19, which is adapted to connectwith the pump circuit to activate the pump and control the flow offluid. Where flow control means 16 comprises an electric valve,conductor 18 and connector 19 are typically connected to a source ofelectrical power such as a battery terminal, a magnetic switch, relaycontacts or other electromechanical means for activating the pumpingmeans.

To drain a fluid such as oil or hydraulic oil, for example, from amachine or other piece of equipment involves connecting coupling 14 tothe outlet of the pump and initiating the pump through activation offlow control switch 17 or by use of gravity. It can be appreciated thatin situations where a pre-lubrication pump is used, a valve is notusually required. The outlet port of fluid transfer conduit 10 ispositioned at a remote and convenient location to discharge the fluidinto a waste-receiving receptacle. Such waste-receiving receptacles aregenerally known in the art and may commonly comprise barrels or servicevehicles, for example, or other receptacles or reservoirs adapted toreceive and transport waste oil or other contaminated vehicle fluids.

In one embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, fluid transfer conduit 20comprises a conduit 23 having an inlet port 21 and an outlet port 22.Inlet port 21 includes a coupling 24, preferably a mateable coupling asshown in FIGS. 5 and 6. In this operational example, flow control means26 comprises a small suction, diaphragm, piston or reciprocating pump 28and may include therein a battery pack. Flow control means 16 includesan activator switch 27 in the form of a “trigger switch” having a guard29 and grip means 31 to facilitate holding the discharge end of thefluid transfer conduit 20. It can be appreciated that in applicationswhere a relatively long transfer conduit is applied such as, forexample, a transfer conduit of 20 to 30 feet in length, the pump 28 canbe located adjacent to, or in close proximity to, the coupling means 14.

Many types of small portable pumps suitable for use as the pump 28 arecommercially available. A number of pumps are better suited for heavieror more viscous fluids but are not capable of operating with batterypower. In such cases, a power cable such as conductor 18 and connector19 can be used in addition to the various embodiments described herein.Typically, the electrical power required to operate the pump 28 can besupplied by a vehicle storage battery or an AC pump can be connected toan AC outlet as a power source. In general, smaller pump means aresuitable and applicable in the consumer market, and the comparativelylarger pump means are applicable to the industrial market.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, examples of coupling means 14, 41 foruse with various embodiments of the present systems and methods areshown. Coupling means 14, 41 are adaptable, for example, to fluidtransfer conduit embodiments shown with respect to FIG. 1 and FIG. 3.Coupling means 41 connects to the engine oil port (not shown), whereascoupling means 14 is attached to conduit 10. Such coupling means arewell known in the art and comprise a male quick connector fitting 30 anda female mateable quick connector fitting 32. Also shown is anelectrical receptor 33 for receiving electrical connector 19. In variousembodiments, it is also possible to include a sensing means on thecoupling means 14, 41 to indicate that the sump is dry and to signal forshut down of the pump. A cap 34 is shown for protecting receptor 33between periods of use. As shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 5 and 6,receptor 33 and fitting 32 are mounted on a bracket 36 that is connectedto a source of fluid 37, such as a pre-lubrication pump, for example(not shown). In this embodiment, the fitting 32 is connected on theoutput or high-pressure side of the fluid source system. In applicationto a pre-lubrication system, for example, the fitting 32 is interposedin the high-pressure pump discharge line between the pump and an engineor other machine.

Referring now to FIG. 6, one embodiment of a sampling port 39 is shownthat can be used to sample oil in a pre-lubrication system where thepre-lubrication pumps flows through portion 37. It can be appreciatedthat this embodiment has the advantage of being able to provide a livesample of oil, or other fluid used in this embodiment, without requiringthe engine or other machine to be in a fully operational state.

As shown in the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 7, an additional fitting40 is attached to an external air supply 42. In one aspect, the fitting40 is a female fitting adapted to couple to an air supply (not shown).By attaching an air source to the fitting 40 prior to or during theremoval of oil from the engine, oil resident in the channels can beremoved to the sump and the oil in the filter system can be at leastpartially or substantially removed to facilitate removal of the filter.In many embodiments that employ such an air supply, it may be desirableto have the source of air at a pressure from about 90 to 150 pounds persquare inch, for example.

It has been discovered that a vehicle or other equipment having, forexample, an engine reservoir 105, hydraulic fluid reservoir 107 and atransmission fluid reservoir 109, may be more efficiently serviced andrisks of environmental contamination may be reduced, if the variousservice locations for such reservoirs are in relatively close proximity.For example, and without limitation, if the service locations for suchreservoirs are within about 3 to 10 feet from each other, service canusually be accomplished by relatively few technicians and within anacceptable amount of time. Also, the risks from environmentalcontamination caused, for example, by spillage when several lines andfluid containers are disconnected and connected, can be reduced if suchclose proximity of service locations is provided.

FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment for a single-pump multiple reservoirconduit system 100, which may be used, for example, to evacuate theengine reservoir 105, the hydraulic reservoir 107 and the transmissionor other fluid reservoir 109 of a machine through a quick connect port112 that may be mounted on a bracket 173 or to an evacuation port 153 ina control panel 150 (see discussion herein). A pump 128, and each of thereservoirs 105, 107 and 109 are connected to a control valve 116 througha network of conduits 113. In one embodiment, the pump 128 may be adedicated evacuation pump, for example, or may be an enginepre-lubrication pump, for example. The network of conduits includes afirst conduit 400 connected to the hydraulic reservoir 107 at a firstend 402 by a first coupling 406, and to the control valve 116 at asecond end 404 by a second coupling 408. Similarly, a second conduit 410is connected at a first end 414 to the engine reservoir 105 by a firstcoupling 416, and to the control valve 116 at a second end 412 by asecond coupling 418. A third conduit 420 is connected at a first end 422to the transmission reservoir 109 by a first coupling 426, and to thecontrol valve 116 at a second end 424 by a second coupling 428. A fourthconduit 430 is connected to the pump 128 at a first end 432 by a firstcoupling 436 and to the outlet port 112 at a second end 434 by a secondcoupling 438. A fifth conduit 461 is connected to the pump 128 at afirst end 463 by a first coupling 467 and to the control valve 116 at asecond end 465 by a second coupling 469.

In one example embodiment, the control valve 116 is a three-position,four-port directional valve, which controls the connection of the pump128 with each of the conduits 410, 400 and 420 leading to the reservoirs105, 107 and 109, respectively. In one aspect, the control valve 116 hasone default position, which is the engine sump 105 position. The controlvalve 116 and the pump 128 may be operated from a remote bracket 173 byan electrical evacuator switch attached to a connector 172, and a toggleselector switch 174, respectively.

As will be appreciated, in the operation of the system of FIG. 8, thecontrol valve 116 determines which of the reservoirs 105, 107 or 109will be in fluid communication with the pump 128 through the conduitnetwork 113. Specifically, the selector switch 174 determines theposition of the control valve 116. The switch connected at the connector172 serves as the on-off switch for the pump 128, and may be mounted onthe bracket 173 or may be mounted on a tethered switch connected toconnector 172. In operation, the selector switch 174 controls theposition of the control valve 116 to determine which reservoir 105, 107or 109 is evacuated. When the switch connected to connector 172 isenergized, the pump 128 is energized, thereby providing negativepressure on line 461 and, in turn, to the control valve 116. The fluidin the reservoir 105, 107 or 109 fluidly coupled to the control valve116 is drawn into line 461, through pump 128, through line 430 and tocoupling 112 for discharge into a suitable receptacle and/or into afluid line for further processing.

FIG. 9 shows one illustrative embodiment of the electrical circuitry forthe embodiment of the single-pump, multiple reservoir system of FIG. 8.A relay switch 158 is connected to the motor 162 of the pump 128 tostart and stop the pump motor 162 when the start switch 172 is activatedto provide power from a direct current source, for example, or othersuitable power source. In one aspect, the relay switch 158 stops themotor when a low flow condition is detected in any of the conduits 400,410, and 420 during evacuation by the sensor 180. The control valve 116is electrically operated through two solenoids 164 and 166 connected toa selector switch 174. The selector switch 174 is also connected to thestart switch 172. In one embodiment, the start switch 172 includes asingle-pole, normally open switch, and the selector switch 174 includesa single-pole double-throw switch.

Although three reservoirs are shown in the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 8, the number of reservoirs is not limited to three. Forembodiments with N reservoirs, for example, there are N reservoirconduits connecting each reservoir with the control valve, such as theconduits 400, 410 and 420 of FIG. 8. A pump conduit, such as conduit461, for example, connects the control valve 116 to the pump 128, and anoutlet conduit, such as conduit 430, for example, connects the pump 128to the outlet port 112. It can be appreciated that, for N reservoirs,the control valve 116 has one default position and N-1 selectoractivated positions.

The control valve 116 may also be operated from a centralized location,such as a service panel. An embodiment of a remote single service panel150 for a single pump, which includes switches for the actuation of thepump 128 and the control valve 116 in addition to switches for ignitionand ports for sampling engine, transmission and hydraulic fluids, isshown in FIG. 10. A selector switch 152 on the service panel 150 isconnected to the control valve 116 to enable an operator to select thereservoir to be evacuated. A switch for controlling evacuation 154, anemergency evacuation stop switch 156, and an evacuation connect port 153(coupled, for example, to the line 430) for connecting/disconnecting thepump 128 may also be mounted on the service panel 150. Additionally, atransmission oil sampling port 50, an engine oil sampling port 52, and ahydraulic oil sampling port 54 may be mounted on the service panel 150for with the transmission, engine and hydraulic reservoirs respectively.The service panel 150 may also include an oil filter 56 having an oilinlet line 44, transmission oil filter, a fuel filter 58, a fuelseparator 60, hydraulic oil filter, a remote ignition selector 62 and anignition switch 64. Thus, service locations, such as control panel 150,may be provided for virtually all machine, vehicle, and/or engine fluidservice needs.

An embodiment of the electrical diagram for the service panel of FIG. 10is shown in FIG. 11. A motor relay 76 is connected to the pump motor 80connected to pump 128 to start and stop the pump motor 80 when the start154 and emergency stop 156 switches, respectively, are operated. Therelay switch 76 stops the motor when a low flow condition is detected bysensor 69 during evacuation. The evacuation selector switch 152, whichis electrically connected to the start switch 154 and to the emergencystop switch 156, enables the selective evacuation of the hydraulicreservoir 107 or transmission reservoir 109 through the operation of ahydraulic reservoir solenoid valve coil 65 and a transmission reservoirsolenoid valve coil 67, respectively. The default position in FIG. 11 isthe evacuation of the engine reservoir 105, but it will be appreciatedthat any of the reservoirs may be chosen as the default position, andthat the number of reservoirs may not be limited to three.

As shown in FIG. 12, each of the lines 410, 420 and 400 may also becoupled to a corresponding check valve 170, 170′ or 170″, respectively,to allow flow in one direction only as well as a check valve 170′ aroundpump 128. Optionally, a line 439 (shown in dotted lines) may be providedwith appropriate valving around the pump 128, which is connected to aquick disconnect coupling 440. In this embodiment, the truck pump 160 ofa lubrication evacuation truck may be used to evacuate fluids. The truckpump 160 evacuates through permanent line 472 or quick disconnect line474 to a truck waste tank 470. If pump 128 is used and the truck pump160 is not used, a conduit 460 may be connected by application ofappropriate valving through the permanent line 472 or the quickdisconnect 474 to the lubrication truck waste tank 470.

FIGS. 13 through 17 illustrate embodiments for a dual-pump multiplereservoir conduit system 200 including a first pump 230 in fluidcommunication with an engine reservoir 505, and a second pump 228 influid communication with a hydraulic reservoir 507 and a transmissionreservoir 509. However, it will be appreciated that more pumps may beused or the pumps may be connected to different reservoirs within thespirit and scope of the invention. In this embodiment, the first pump230 evacuates the engine oil through a first outlet port 312 operatedwith an electrical switch connected to a connector 372 on a remotebracket 373 or mounted on a service panel 250. A first conduit 520 isconnected to the engine reservoir 505 at a first end 522 by a firstcoupling 524, and to the first pump 230 at a second end 526 by a secondcoupling 528. A second conduit 530 is connected at a first end 532 tothe first pump 230 by a first coupling 534, and to the first outlet port312 at a second end 536 by a second coupling 538. The outlet port 312may be connected to a conduit to provide for pre-lubrication of theengine. Alternatively, the second conduit 530 may also be fluidicallyconnected to a coupling 251 in a control panel 250, discussed below. Thesecond pump 228 is connected to a control valve 616 and evacuates fluidfrom the transmission reservoir 509 or the hydraulic reservoir 407 to asecond outlet port 212 by operating the selector switch 274 and anevacuation switch connected to connector 272 which, together with theoutlet port 212, may be mounted on a second bracket 273. The second pump228 and each of the reservoirs 507, 509 are connected to a control valve616 through of a network of conduits 513. The network of conduits 513includes a first network conduit 540, which is connected at a first end542 to the hydraulic reservoir 507 by a first coupling 546, and to thecontrol valve 616 at a second end 544 by a second coupling 548. A secondnetwork conduit 550 is connected at a first end 554 to the transmissionreservoir 509 by a first coupling 558, and to the valve 616 at a secondend 552 by a second coupling 556. A third network conduit 580 isconnected to the pump 228 at a first end 582 by a first coupling 586 andto the outlet port 212 at a second end 584 by a second quick coupling588. Alternatively, the conduit 580 may be fluidically connected to acoupling 253 on the control panel 250. A fourth network conduit 590 isconnected to the second pump 228 at a first end 592 by a first coupling596 and to the control valve 616 at a second end 594 by a second quickcoupling 598. A flexible conduit 315 may be used connect the outletports 312 or 212 to a waste oil container or to a port of a lubricationtruck leading to a waste oil tank 570 on the lube truck, as shown inFIG. 17. The control valve 616 provides for the selective evacuation ofthe transmission 509 or hydraulic reservoir 507.

FIG. 14 illustrates an electrical diagram for an embodiment of adual-pump multiple reservoir evacuation system illustrated in FIG. 13.Each pump motor 263 and 262 is connected to a corresponding relay switch258 and 259, and each relay switch is powered, for example, by aportable source of 12V or 24V DC current. First and second motor relayswitches 258, 259 are connected to a first and second normally openstart switches 372 and 272. Between each relay and the correspondingstart switch, low flow sensors 280 and 281, respectively, may beactivated to intervene and stop the corresponding motor when a low flowcondition is detected. A source of electric current is connected to thesecond relay switch 259, to the selector switch 274 and to the startswitch 372 and 272. A two-position control valve 216 controls flow tothe hydraulic reservoir 507 and the transmission reservoir 509, and isshown with a hydraulic reservoir as the default position, although anyof the reservoirs may be the default reservoir.

It will be appreciated that the number of conduits connected to thefirst and second pumps need not be limited to a total of three. Forexample, the first pump 230 may be connected to Ni reservoirs and thesecond pump 228 may be connected to N₂ reservoirs for a total number ofN=N₁+N₂. FIG. 13 illustrates a first example of an embodiment where N₁is equal to 1 and N₂ is equal to 2. In a second example of the sameembodiment, N₁ is still equal to 1, but N₂ is a number greater that 2.In the second example, the control valve 616 is connected to N₂reservoir conduits, such as conduits 540 and 550. In both examples, thesecond pump is connected to the control valve 616 with pump conduit 590,and to the second outlet 212 with outlet conduit 580.

An embodiment for a remote service panel 250 including controls for adual-pump multiple reservoir evacuation system is shown in FIG. 15. Itincludes start 254 and stop 256 switches, a selector switch 252 andevacuation disconnect ports 251, 253 for the first pump 230 and secondpump 228. A line 900 connected to the unfiltered side of the engine oilfilter head may also be connected to a pressure-regulated air supply topurge the engine of used oil before adding replacement oil through thesame port. On the same service panel sample ports 910, 912, 914 for thetransmission, engine and hydraulic fluid reservoirs respectively may bemounted, as well as a remote ignition selector 918 and a remote ignitionswitch 916.

An embodiment of an electrical diagram for the panel of FIG. 15 is shownin FIG. 16. The pump motors 963 and 962 for the pumps 230 and 228,respectively, are connected to corresponding relay switches 958 and 959,respectively, and each relay switch is powered, for example, by a sourceof 12V or 24V DC current. The first and second motor relay switches 958,959 are connected to the selector switch 252 and a normally closedemergency stop switch 256. Between each relay and the emergency stopswitch 256, low flow sensors 280 and 281, respectively, intervene tostop the respective motor when a low flow condition is detected. Theselector switch 252 is connected to a valve coil 966 and a normally openstart switch 254. In FIG. 16, electrical wiring for the transmissionreservoir is depicted in the selector switch 254, corresponding tocontact points including the letter “T” designation. For clarity ofdisclosure, some wiring for the hydraulic and engine reservoirs,corresponding to contact points “H” and “E” of the selector switch 966,has been omitted.

FIG. 17 illustrates a hydraulic diagram for an embodiment of a dual-pumpmultiple reservoir evacuation system. The first and second pumps 230 and228 evacuate fluid from each of the selected reservoirs to ports 312 and212, which may be mounted on brackets 373 and 273, respectively, or tothe connectors 251 and 253 on the control panel 250. The flow from eachreservoir 505, 507 and 509 may be controlled in one-way direction bycheck valves downstream from each reservoir. Check valves 705, 707 and709 are connected downstream from the engine reservoir 505, thehydraulic reservoir 507 and the transmission reservoir 509 respectively.Check valves 720 and 722 are also mounted on bypass pipes 711 and 712,respectively, bypassing the first pump 230 and the second pump 228,respectively. A control valve 216, controls flow to the transmissionreservoir 509 and to the hydraulic reservoir 507, and is shown withdefault position to the hydraulic reservoir 507. The discharge frombracket couplings 212 and 312 or control panel connectors 251 and 253may be coupled to a discharge container or to a conduit 315 mounted on alube truck. In that case, evacuated fluid passes through properly valvedline 360 around lube truck pump 160 and directly into reservoir 570.Alternatively, it will be appreciated that the pumps 230 and 228 may bebypassed by lines 574 and 576, respectively, and appropriate valvingprovided in order that evacuation suction may be provided by the pump160 on the lube truck. That discharge may then pass directly to the lubetruck reservoir 570 via, for example, a fixed line 372, a quickconnection line 374, a flexible conduit, or another suitable fluidsystem configuration.

Either single-pump multiple reservoir system (as described in connectionwith FIGS. 8 through 12) or the dual-pump multiple reservoir systems (asdescribed in connection with FIGS. 13 through 17) may be used to removefluid from any of the reservoirs on a machine or vehicle, by attachingevacuation conduits to the reservoirs as shown in the respectivefigures, operating the control valve to select a reservoir and actuatingthe pump to pump fluid from the selected reservoir to an outlet port fordischarge. Additionally, after draining a selected reservoir,replacement fluid may be admitted into the appropriate cavity as shownschematically in FIG. 18, by attaching to a conduit 972 connected to theunfiltered side of the fluid system (e.g., to the cavity's filter head970), and a replacement fluid conduit 974, by means of a coupling 976.The coupling 976 is connected to a replacement fluid source 978. Forexample, engine oil can be input into line 44 in the embodiment in FIG.10 or into line 900 in the embodiment in FIG. 15, in each case beforethe oil filter head. It can be appreciated that the fluid cavitiescorresponding to the other reservoirs discussed herein can also berefilled by inputting replacement fluid on the unfiltered side of therespective filters of such fluid cavities.

Referring now to FIG. 19, one embodiment of a fluid system 1001including a machine (wherein the machine in this example embodiment isan engine 1002) connected to a pump 1004 is shown. In one aspect of thisembodiment, the pump 1004 may be a supplemental pump or enginepre-lubrication pump, for example, and/or may be installed and operatedat a local location or a remote location with respect to the positionand operation of the engine 1002. The pump 1004 is configured for fluidcommunication and operation in association with an evacuation bracket1006. Based on the mode of operation of the engine 1002, a fluid circuitmay be completed or interrupted by a quick disconnect 1008. During afluid evacuation procedure, for example, the evacuation bracket 1006 canbe used, in association with the operation of the pump 1004, to evacuatevarious fluids from the engine 1002. In addition, in the embodiment ofFIG. 19 and in various embodiments of the present systems and methodsdescribed herein, a control module 1100 can be operatively associatedwith various components of the fluid system 1001. Also, an internal datamodule 1200 can be operatively associated with the engine 1002 forreceiving, storing and/or processing data related to functions performedwithin the fluid system 1001. In another aspect, a supplemental filtersystem 1010 may be operatively installed in association with theevacuation bracket 1006 and the quick disconnect 1008, for example. Invarious aspects of the present systems and methods, the supplementalfilter system 1010 may be, for example, a fine filtration system as thatterm is understood in the art.

Referring now to FIG. 20, in one illustrative embodiment, the controlmodule 1100 includes various components for controlling and monitoring afluid system, as well as for monitoring, collecting and analyzing dataassociated with various fluid system and method embodiments describedherein. The control module 1100 includes a processor 1102 for executingvarious commands within, and directing the function of, the variouscomponents of the control module 1100. One or more sensor inputs 1104can be provided in the control module 1100 for receiving and processingdata communicated from one or more sensors 1105 installed within a fluidsystem. Sensors 1105 applicable to operation of a machine can include,without limitation, sensors to detect temperature, sensors to detectpressure, sensors to detect voltage, sensors to detect current, sensorsto detect contaminants, sensors to detect cycle time, flow sensorsand/or other sensors suitable for detecting various conditionsexperienced by the machine during the various stages of operation of themachine. In addition, one or more indicators 1106 can be provided withinthe control module 1100 for providing alerts or notifications ofconditions detected and communicated to the control module 1100. Suchindicators 1106 can be conventional audio, visual, or audiovisualindications of a condition detected within a fluid system. The controlmodule 1100 may also include one or more data storage media 1108 forstoring, retrieving and/or reporting data communicated to the controlmodule 1100. Data stored within the data storage media 1108 may includea variety of data collected from the condition of the fluid systemincluding, for example and without limitation, oil condition, particlecount of contaminants, cycle time data for time to evacuate or time torefill a given reservoir, fluid receptacle or other fluidstorage/retention medium.

The control module 1100 further includes one or more controls 1110 forpermitting manipulation of various elements of a fluid system and/or forreceiving and processing data communicated from a fluid system. Machinecontrols 1110A can be provided for controlling various aspects of anengine, for example, such as ignition, pre-lubrication operations,initiating a fluid evacuation process, initiating a fluid refillprocess, and various other machine operations. Pump controls 1110B canbe provided for controlling the action of a pump or supplemental pumpoperatively associated with a fluid system, such as the fluid system ofa machine, for example. One or more valve controls 1110C can be providedto actuate the position (e.g., open, closed, or other position) of oneor more valves included within a fluid system. In addition, one or moremulti-position valve controls 1110D can be provided to operate amulti-way valve (e.g., a five-way valve), or another multi-positionvalve apparatus or system such as a junction block assembly, for example(described hereinafter). In addition, evacuation bracket controls 1110Ecan be provided for the particular function of one or more evacuationbrackets included within, or introduced into, a fluid system.

It can be appreciated that any portion of the above-described controls1110 may be manually actuated by a machine operator, for example, orautomatically actuated as part of execution of instructions stored on acomputer-readable medium, for example. In one illustrative example, thepump controls 1110B may be operatively associated automatically withmanual actuation of the machine controls 1110A, such as in the event ofa pre-lubrication process initiated during ignition of an engine, forexample.

In addition, in various embodiments described herein, it can beappreciated that the controls 1110 need not be located within the samelocation such as included within the same service panel, for example, orother like centralized location. It can be further appreciated that thecontrols 1110 may be operatively associated with a machine, a fluidsystem, a valve system, or other component of the present embodiments byone or more wireline and/or wireless communication methods or systems.Thus, in various embodiments described herein, it can be seen that thecontrols 1110 may be considered clustered for a particular applicationof the present embodiments while not necessarily being physicallylocated in a single, centralized location such as installed on a servicepanel, for example.

Data can be communicated to the control module 1100 to and/or from afluid system through a variety of methods and systems. In variousembodiments disclosed herein, data may be communicated, for example, bya wireline connection, communicated by satellite communications,cellular communications, infrared and/or communicated in accordance witha protocol such as IEEE 802.11, for example, or other wireless or radiofrequency communication protocol among other similar types ofcommunication methods and systems. As shown in FIG. 20, one or more datadevices 1150 can be employed in operative association with the controlmodule 1100 for the purpose of receiving, processing, inputting and/orstoring data and/or for cooperating with the control module 1100 tocontrol, monitor or otherwise manipulate one or more components includedwithin a fluid system. Examples of data devices 1150 include, forexample and without limitation, personal computers 1150A, laptops 1150B,and personal digital assistants (PDA's) 1150C, and other data devicessuitable for executing instructions on one or more computer-readablemedia.

Various types of sensors 1105 can be employed in various embodiments ofthe present systems and methods to detect one or more conditions of afluid system. For example, the sensors 1105 can detect one or more ofthe following conditions within a fluid system: engine oil pressure, oiltemperature in the engine, amount of current drawn by a pre-lubricationcircuit, presence of contaminants (such as oil contaminants, forexample) in the engine, amount of time that has elapsed for performanceof one or more cycles of various engine operations (i.e., cycle time)such as pre-lubrication operations, fluid evacuation operations, fluidrefill operations, fluid flow rates, and others. One example of a sensor1105 that may be used in accordance with various embodiments of thepresent systems and methods is a contamination sensor marketed under the“LUBRIGARD” trade designation (Lubrigard Limited, United Kingdom, NorthAmerica, Europe). A contamination sensor can provide informationregarding oxidation products, water, glycol, metallic wear particles,and/or other contaminants that may be present in the engine oil,hydraulic oil, gearbox oil, transmission oil, compressor oil and/orother fluids used in various machines. In various aspects of the presentmethods and systems, the contamination sensor may be employed during oneor more fluid processes, for example, such as a fluid evacuation processor a fluid refill process.

It can be appreciated that the control module 1100 can receive and storedata associated with activation and deactivation of various componentsof a fluid system and operation of a machine, such as an engine, forexample, included within the fluid system. Cycle time, for example, canbe calculated from analysis of collected data to provide an indicationof elapsed time for completing evacuation and/or refill operations. Fora given oil temperature or temperature range (e.g., as can be detectedand communicated by a temperature sensor), an average cycle time, forexample, can be calculated through analysis of two or more collectedcycle times. In one aspect, the present methods and systems candetermine whether the most recently elapsed cycle time deviates from anominal average cycle time, or range of cycle times, for a given oiltemperature or temperature range. In addition, factors may be known suchas the type and viscosity of fluids (e.g., such as oil) used inconnection with operation of the machine. An unacceptable deviation froma nominal cycle time, or range of times, can result in recording a faultin a data storage medium 1108 of the control module 1100. It can beappreciated that many other types of fault conditions may detected,analyzed and recorded in connection with practice of the present systemsand methods. In other illustrative examples, conditions associated withbattery voltage, current, and/or the presence of contaminants in themachine, for example, may be detected, analyzed, and one or more faultconditions recorded by the control module 1100.

Referring now to FIG. 21, in various embodiments of the present methodsand systems, data collected from fluid system operation can be stored onan internal data module 1200 installed on or near a machine. Theinternal data module 1200 can include a processor 1202 with anoperatively associated memory 1204. In one aspect, the internal datamodule 1200 can be a “one-shot” circuit, as that term is understood bythose skilled in the art. The internal data module 1200 can beconfigured to receive and store data related to various conditions of afluid system, a machine, a valve, a pump, or other components of a fluidsystem. In one embodiment, the internal data module 1200 can store datain the memory 1204 prior to engine ignition and then transfer the storeddata to the control module 1100, for example, or another computersystem, once engine ignition is initiated. In another embodiment, theinternal data module 1200 can store condition data for subsequentdownload to the control module 1100 or another suitable computer system.In various embodiments, the internal data module 1200 can be configuredfor use in performing data collection and storage functions when thecontrol module 1100 is not otherwise active (e.g., during variousmachine service operations). In this manner, the internal data module1200 can be employed to store data corresponding to the electricalevents associated with an oil change, for example, or another type offluid evacuation or refill procedure and can transmit data related tothe procedure to the control module 1100. In various embodiments, theinternal data module 1200 can be a stand-alone, discrete module, or canbe configured for full or partial integration into the operation of thecontrol module 1100.

Collected and analyzed data, as well as recorded fault events, can bestored in association with the control module 1100, the internal datamodule 1200, and/or at a remote location. In various embodiments of thepresent methods and systems, the control module 1100 and/or the internaldata module 1200 can be configured for operation as integral componentsof a machine or as remote components not installed locally on themachine. The collected and analyzed information can be stored in one ormore of the data storage media 1108 of the control module 1100, or onanother conventional storage suitable for use in connection with thecontrol module 1100. The information can also be stored externally withrespect to a machine and its components. As shown in FIG. 20, data canbe transmitted wirelessly by a radio frequency communication or by awireline connection from the control module 1100 to one or more datadevices 1150. The personal digital assistant 1150C, for example, may beconfigured and employed as a computer system for receiving andprocessing data collected from the control module 1100 during fluidevacuation and fluid refill processes.

In one illustrative example, information related to an oil change event,such as the time duration of the oil change, for example, and otherengine conditions can be recorded and processed in connection withoperation of the control module 1100 and/or the internal data module1200 and/or their operatively associated storage medium or media. Thedate and time of the oil change event, for example, can also be recordedfor one or more such oil changes. Analysis of the data may assume that asubstantially constant volume of oil at a given temperature evacuatesfrom, or refills into, the engine lubrication system in a consistent andrepeatable amount of time. A calculation can be made that considers theamount of time needed for an oil change at a given temperature (asdetected by an oil temperature sensor, for example), and other factorssuch as the type and viscosity of the oil. Using this calculation, theamount of oil evacuated from, or refilled into, the engine can becalculated. While the example of an engine is employed herein, it can beappreciated that the principles of the present methods and systemsdescribed herein can be readily applied, for example, to hydraulic fluidreservoirs, transmission fluid reservoirs, and a variety of other typesof fluid reservoirs. The calculated evacuated/refilled oil amount can becompared against a nominal value for the sump capacity. If thecalculated amount is greater than or less than the nominal value ortolerance range for such calculations, this information can be recordedas a fault for further investigation and/or maintenance. In oneembodiment, the fault recorded can be recorded electronically, such asin association with operation of the control module 1100. One or morenotifications can be generated for an operator of the engine by use ofthe indicators 1106, for example, to advise the operator that a faulthas been recorded by the system. In application to various embodimentsdescribed herein, the notification can take the form of an audiblesignal, a visual or text signal, or some reasonable combination of suchsignals.

Referring now to FIG. 22, one embodiment of a method for performingmultiple fluid evacuation and refill processes is shown. In step 1222, aneed for a fluid change is identified, such as a fluid change in thefluid reservoir of a machine, for example. Identification of fluidchange needs/desires and subsequent functions performed in the fluidsystem can be controlled in connection with a control module (inaccordance with the above discussion). In step 1224, the configurationof a valve system included within a fluid system can be adjusted topermit a fluid evacuation process to be performed in operativeassociation with the identified fluid reservoir. It can be appreciatedthat adjustments to configuration of the valve system performed in step1224 can be facilitated in an automated manner such as by operativeassociation of the fluid system with the control module 1100, forexample, by a manual operator adjustment, or some reasonable combinationof automated and manual processes. The identified fluid reservoir isevacuated in step 1226. In optional step 1227, which can be performedprior to the evacuation process of step 1226, a conventional purgeprocedure can be performed on a fluid system associated with thereservoir to remove waste fluids, to resist spillage of fluids, toresist environmental contamination potentially caused by waste fluids,and/or to promote safety of an operator, for example, or other personnelby resisting contact between waste fluids (and potentially harmfulcomponents of waste fluids) and the operator. In one aspect, the purgeprocedure of step 1227 can be performed prior to performance of asubsequent fluid refill process, for example, for the reservoir. In oneillustrative embodiment, the purge procedure can include an air purgeprocedure, for example. In step 1228 the valve system can be configuredto permit a fluid refill process to be performed in connection with theidentified fluid reservoir. In step 1230, a fluid replacement source isaccessed, and the identified fluid reservoir is refilled in step 1232.In one aspect of the present methods and systems, it can be appreciatedthat the refill procedure of step 1232 can be performed by deliveringthe refill fluid pre-filter with respect to the identified fluidreservoir.

In step 1234, a determination is made as to whether an additional fluidchange process is required or desired. If it is determined that anadditional reservoir does require a fluid change, then the valve systemis configured in step 1236 to permit a fluid evacuation process to occurfor the additionally identified reservoir, which additionally identifiedreservoir can include a fluid which is similar or dissimilar withrespect to the fluid of the first identified reservoir. It can beappreciated that adjustments to the valve system performed in step 1236can be facilitated in an automated manner such as by operativeassociation of the fluid system with the control module 1100, forexample, by a manual operator adjustment, or some reasonable combinationof automated and manual processes. In step 1238, fluid within theadditional reservoir is evacuated. In optional step 1227 (also describedabove), which can be performed prior to the evacuation process of step1238, a conventional purge procedure can be performed on a fluid systemassociated with the reservoir to remove waste fluids, to resist spillageof fluids, to resist environmental contamination potentially caused bywaste fluids, and/or to promote safety of an operator, for example, orother personnel by resisting contact between waste fluids (andpotentially harmful components of waste fluids) and the operator. In oneaspect, the purge procedure of step 1227 can be performed prior toperformance of a subsequent fluid refill process, for example, for thereservoir. In step 1240, the valve system can be configured to permit afluid refill process for the additional reservoir. In step 1242, a fluidreplacement source is accessed, and the additional reservoir is refilledwith fluid in step 1244 to the unfiltered side of the fluid system. Inone aspect of the present methods and systems, it can be appreciatedthat the refill procedure of step 1244 can be performed by deliveringthe refill fluid pre-filter with respect to the additional reservoir.The process can then return to step 1234 to identify additionalreservoirs for which fluid changes may be needed or desired. It can beseen that the method shown in FIG. 22 permits multiple fluids to beevacuated and/or refilled for multiple reservoirs associated with amachine, from potentially multiple fluid replacement sources orreservoirs, in an automated or substantially automated manner.

In various embodiments of the present methods and systems, data can becollected, stored and/or analyzed for multiple reservoirs connectedwith, or operatively associated with, a machine. Referring again to FIG.22, a control module or other data device (as described hereinabove),for example, can be employed in step 1248 to collect data 1248A, storedata 1248B, and/or analyze data 1248C in accordance with one or more ofthe process steps shown in FIG. 22, as well as other steps performed inconnection with operation and/or maintenance functions of a machine. Inone example aspect, it can be seen that the control module can beapplied in step 1248 to collect and analyze time-stamp informationassociated with an event such as an evacuation/refill process performedin connection with an oil reservoir, for example. In other aspects ofthe present methods and systems, it can be appreciated that many typesof data can be collected, analyzed, and/or stored in connection with thefunction of multiple reservoirs. Data such as current valve position,valve type, and/or reservoir type, for example, can be collected inconnection with performance of an evacuation/refill procedure for afirst reservoir. A further evacuation/refill procedure, or anotherprocess step, can then be initiated for the first reservoir or for anadditionally identified reservoir. Likewise, data such as current valveposition, valve type, reservoir type, for example, can be collected inassociation with the evacuation/refill procedure for the additionallyidentified reservoir, for example, or another process step.

Referring now to FIG. 23, one embodiment of a system for performingmultiple fluid evacuation and fluid refill processes is shown inschematic form. A first junction block assembly 1252 having a pluralityof ports (represented by positions A,B,C,D,E and F) is connected throughconventional piping or hydraulic hoses, for example, to the suction side1254 of a pump 1256. A second junction block assembly 1258 having aplurality of ports (represented by positions G,H,I,J,K and L) is alsoconnected through conventional piping or hydraulic hoses, for example,to the pressure side 1260 of the pump 1256. In one aspect, the systemmay include a disconnect 1262, such as a quick disconnect and bracketassembly, for example, in the piping. In various aspects of the system,a control module 1100 can be operatively associated with variouscontrol, sensing, and monitoring functions performed in association withoperation of the system. It can be appreciated that the junction blockassemblies 1252,1258 are shown merely for purposes of illustration. Oneor both of the junction block assemblies 1252,1258 could be replacedwith other multi-position valves, for example, or other suitable typesof valves. It can be further appreciated that the system shown in FIG.23 can be configured to perform multiple fluid refill and/or fluidevacuation processes in connection with one or more machine reservoirs,one or more fluid replacement sources, and/or one or morewaste-receiving receptacles.

In one operational example of the valve system of FIG. 23 (which valvesystem includes the first and second junction block assemblies1252,1258), ports D and G can be connected through piping to a machine1251 such as a machine engine, for example. Port E can be configured tobe a refill port that permits fluid to be introduced to the valve systemsuch as from a fluid replacement source, for example. Port K can beconfigured as an evacuation port that permits fluid to be evacuatedthrough the second junction block assembly 1258 from the machine 1251,which evacuation may be facilitated by a quick disconnect and bracketassembly, for example. Port A is in fluid communication with the pump1256 on the suction side 1254 of the pump 1256, and Port J is in fluidcommunication with the pump 1256 on the pressure side 1260 of the pump1256.

In a first configuration of the illustrative valve system of FIG. 23,all ports of the first junction block assembly 1252 are closed exceptfor port A, which is in communication with the suction side 1254 of thepump 1256, and port D, which is in an open position and in communicationwith the machine 1251. In addition, all ports of the second junctionblock assembly 1258 are closed except for port J, which is incommunication with the pressure side 1260 of the pump 1256, and port K,which is in an open position in this configuration. The pump 1256 can beactivated to evacuate fluid from the machine 1251 as drawn through thepiping and through port D, through port A, through the pump 1256,through port J, and ultimately through port K. Once the fluid evacuationprocess is completed, all ports of the first and second junction blockassemblies 1252,1258 can be closed, except for the refill port E andports A, J and G. The pump 1256 can be activated to draw fluid from portE through the piping and through port A, through the pump 1256, throughport J, and through port G into the machine 1251. Based on thisoperational example, it can be seen how opening and closing variousports in various configurations of the valve system permits multipleevacuation and refill processes to be performed from multiple fluidreplacement sources to multiple machine reservoirs in a variety ofsequences. It can also be seen that a common evacuation point (e.g.,port K) can be provided for various fluid processes that are performedby use of the valve system. In addition, it can be appreciated thatdifferent types of fluids (e.g., without limitation, engine oil,transmission fluid, hydraulic fluid, coolants, and other machine fluids)can be alternately and/or sequentially evacuated/refilled in connectionwith the various embodiments of the present methods and systems.

Various aspects of the following disclosure include operational examplesfor the various system and method embodiments described herein. It canbe appreciated that such operational examples are provided merely forconvenience of disclosure, and that no particular aspect or aspects ofthese operational examples are intended to limit the scope ofapplication of the present systems and methods.

Referring now to FIGS. 24, 25A and 25B, a fluid system 1301 is providedincluding an engine 1302 and a pump 1304 operatively connected to ajunction block assembly 1400. As shown in FIGS. 25A and 25B, thejunction block assembly 1400 includes a substantially cube-shaped body1402 having a plurality of ports, such as ports 1404A, 1404B, 1404C, forexample, formed therein. The junction block assembly 1400 can includeany conventional material suitable for use in connection with thevarious fluid evacuation and refill processes described herein such as,for example and without limitation, aluminum, stainless steel, and otherlike materials. In the embodiment shown, the junction block assembly1400 may possess a plurality of ports up to six ports, for example.

In one embodiment of the junction block assembly 1400, one or morescreens 1406 may be inserted between the body 1402 and one or moreadapter fittings 1408 structured to be received, such as threadedlyreceived, for example, into the junction block assembly 1400. It can beappreciated that one or more of the screens 1406 can be positionedwithin the junction block assembly 1400 and/or more generally at anysuitable location within the fluid systems described herein. In oneembodiment, one or more of the screens 1406 may be formed as an integralassembly with one or more of the adapter fittings 1408. In one aspect ofsuch an integral arrangement, the screen 1406 can be positioned at acommon location at which particles and other contaminants present in afluid system may be trapped, inspected and/or removed from the fluidsystem. In other aspects, the screens 1406 and/or adapter fittings 1408may be installed in conjunction with other components of a fluid systemsuch as a pump, for example.

In one illustrative fluid system embodiment, the screen 1406 can bepositioned in the junction block assembly 1400 at a common outlet portof the junction block assembly 1400, wherein during operation of thefluid system the common outlet port is in fluid communication with thesuction side or inlet port of a pump. In this embodiment, one or morefluids received into the junction block assembly 1400 from one or morefluid reservoirs can each be filtered by the screen 1406 positionedwithin the common outlet port of the junction block assembly 1400.

In one aspect of the present embodiments, the adapter fitting 1408 caninclude a permanent or removably insertable plug that resists fluid fromentering or exiting the particular port of the junction block assembly1400 in which the adapter fitting 1408 is installed. In another aspect,the adapter fitting can include a magnetic plug, for example, to attractand capture ferrous materials, for example, and other particles orcontaminants susceptible to magnetic attraction to the magnetic plug. Itcan be seen that, in a fluid system, a junction block assembly 1400including an adapter fitting 1408 having a magnetic plug can be employedas a central or common location at which particles or contaminantspresent in the fluid system can be trapped, collected, inspected and/oranalyzed. In one embodiment in which the magnetic plug is removablyinsertable from the junction block assembly, the magnetic plug canassist the junction block assembly 1400 in becoming a material/debristrap that allows for periodic inspections, for example, for detectingmetal particles, for example, that may indicate damage, or the potentialfor damage, occurring in the reservoir or a related machine system.

Referring now to FIG. 25C, one example illustration of an embodiment aportion of a fluid system 1452 provided in accordance with the presentmethods and systems is shown. The fluid system 1452 includes a pump 1454in fluid communication with a junction block assembly 1400. In addition,a screen 1456 is positioned within a section of piping 1458 locatedbetween the pump 1454 and the junction block assembly 1400 on a suctionside 1460 of the pump 1454. In other aspects, it can be appreciated thatthe screen 1456 can be positioned to function at a variety of locationswithin the fluid system 1452 or other fluid systems. In the embodimentshown, it can be seen that the screen 1456 may act as a common locationfor collecting, trapping, and/or filtering particles, debris and/orcontaminants flowing through the fluid system 1452. During operation ofthe pump 1454 within the filter system 1452, for example, particles,debris and/or contaminants are drawn from various other portions (notshown) of the fluid system 1452 through the section of piping 1458including the screen 1456 to trap, collect, and/or filter thoseparticles, debris, and/or contaminants, before fluid is permitted toflow to the suction side 1460 of the pump 1454 to be drawn into the pump1454.

Referring again to FIG. 24, the junction block assembly 1400 can beconnected to a fluid evacuation/refill port 1306 that permits fluids toexit (during a fluid evacuation process) or enter (during a fluid refillprocess) the fluid system 1301. During an evacuation process, valve 1308is actuated (such as by operation of a machine control 1110A of thecontrol module 1100, for example, or by manual operation) to a closedposition, and the pump 1304 is activated to evacuate fluid from theengine 1302 through the port 1306 connected to the junction blockassembly 1400. It can be seen that the junction block assembly 1400 isappropriately positioned/actuated to permit fluid to flow from the pump1304 to the port 1306 during the evacuation procedure. During a refillprocedure, the valve 1308 can be moved to an open position, and thejunction block assembly 1400 can be appropriately positioned/actuated topermit fluid to flow from a reservoir and/or other apparatus (not shown)attached to the port 1306 to refill one or more fluid reservoirs viaunfiltered or pre-filtered passages, for example, or other receptaclesof the engine 1302.

In various embodiments described herein, a conventional filter 1310 canbe provided in association with a component such as an engine, forexample, to filter contaminants or other particles that pass through thefluid system 1301 during the refill procedure and/or during normaloperation of the engine 1302. It can be appreciated that the type and/orconfiguration of conventional filters installed within or in associationwith the components of the fluid system 1301 can be provided in avariety of ways as will be evident to those skilled in the art.

The control module 1100 and the internal data module 1200 interact withthe fluid system 1301, and more generally other fluid systems describedhereinafter, as previously discussed hereinabove with reference to FIGS.20 and 21. For convenience of disclosure, specific interaction andoperation of the control module 1100 and the internal data module 1200with fluid system embodiments described hereinafter are generally notdescribed in detail, because such embodiments would be understood bythose skilled in the art.

Referring now to FIG. 26, in another embodiment of the present systemsand methods, a fluid system 1501 is provided in which an engine 1502 isconnected to a junction block assembly 1400 through a valve 1504. Areservoir 1506 is also connected to the junction block assembly 1400through a valve 1508. In addition, a pump 1510 is connected to thejunction block assembly 1400, and the pump 1510 is also connected to anevacuation bracket and quick disconnect assembly 1512 in accordance withsuch assemblies as previously described hereinabove. In one operationalexample of this embodiment, a fluid evacuation process may be performedby opening valve 1504 and closing valve 1508 to evacuate fluid from theengine 1502 through an evacuation port of the junction block assembly1400. In one aspect, the fluid evacuation procedure can be performed bythe operation of the pump 1510 to remove fluid from the engine 1502through the evacuation bracket and quick disconnect assembly 1512. Theengine 1502 can then be refilled by connecting a fluid replacementsource, for example, or another reservoir to the evacuation bracket andquick disconnect assembly 1512. The reservoir 1506 can be evacuated byclosing the valve 1504, opening the valve 1508, adjusting the positionsof the various ports of the junction block assembly 1400, and operatingthe pump 1510 to evacuate fluid from the reservoir 1506 through theevacuation bracket and quick disconnect assembly 1512. In variousembodiments of the present systems and methods, the reservoir 1506 maycontain, for example and without limitation, transmission fluid,hydraulic fluid, lubricants such as oil, water, or another fluid used inaddition to the operation of the engine 1502 and/or the overall functionof the fluid system 1501. In another aspect, a supplemental filtersystem 1514 may be operatively associated with the evacuation bracketand quick disconnect assembly 1512. In various aspects, the supplementalfilter system 1514 may be, for example, a fine filtration system as thatterm is understood in the art.

Referring now to FIG. 27, in various embodiments of the present systemsand methods, a fluid system 1601 is provided in which an engine 1602 isconnected to a first junction block assembly 1400 through a valve 1604.A reservoir 1606 is also connected to the junction block assembly 1400through a valve 1608. The junction block assembly 1400 also includes anevacuation/refill port 1610 structured for receiving fluids introducedinto the fluid system 1601, such as during a refill process, forexample. In addition, a pump 1612 is connected to the first junctionblock assembly 1400, and the pump 1612 is also connected to a secondjunction block assembly 1400′ through an optional valve 1614. The secondjunction block assembly 1400′ includes an evacuation/refill port 1616for removing/introducing fluids into the fluid system 1601, such as byan evacuation process or by a refill process, for example. In addition,the reservoir 1606 includes a fluid connection through a valve 1618 tothe second junction block assembly 1400′, and the engine 1602 alsoincludes a fluid connection to the second junction block assembly 1400′through a valve 1620. It can be appreciated by those skilled in the artthat the fluid system 1601 permits a variety of combinations forperforming evacuation and/or refill processes. The positions of thevalves 1604,1608,1614,1618 and 1620, in operative interaction with theactuation of the first and second junction block assemblies 1400,1400′provide this variety of combinations for introducing or removing fluids,respectively and where applicable, through the ports 1610,1616.

In one aspect of an example of a fluid evacuation process, the engine1602 can be identified for performance of one or more fluidrefill/evacuation processes. Fluid can be evacuated from the engine1602, for example, by opening valves 1604,1614, closing valves1608,1618,1620, adjusting the positions of ports associated with thefirst and second junction block assemblies 1400,1400′ (e.g., closing offports not employed in a given fluid process, and other likeadjustments), and activating the pump 1612 to draw fluid through therefill/evacuation port 1616. A subsequent refill process can beperformed for the engine 1602 by closing valves 1604,1608,1618, openingvalves 1614,1620, adjusting the appropriate positions of the ports ofthe first and second junction block assemblies 1400,1400′ (e.g., closingoff ports not employed in a given fluid process, and other likeadjustments), and activating the pump 1612 to refill fluid into theengine 1602 by drawing the fluid from the evacuation/refill port 1610,through the pump 1612, to the engine 1602. It can be appreciated thatthe fluid employed for the fluid refill process for the engine 1602 canbe drawn from one or more fluid replacement sources (not shown)operatively connected to the evacuation/refill port 1610 of the firstjunction block assembly 1400. In one aspect, the type of fluid drawnfrom the engine 1602 during the fluid evacuation process is of the sametype as the fluid refilled into the engine 1602 during the fluid refillprocess.

In other steps of this operational example, the reservoir 1606 can beidentified for a fluid evacuation/refill process. The valves1604,1618,1620 can be closed, the positions of the ports of the firstand second junction block assemblies 1400,1400′ can be adjusted (e.g.,closing off ports not employed in a given fluid process, and other likeadjustments), valves 1608,1614 can be opened, and the action of the pump1612 can be employed to draw fluid from the reservoir 1606 through theevacuation/refill port 1616 of the second junction block assembly 1400′.In a subsequent fluid refill process, valves 1604,1608,1620 can beclosed, valves 1614,1618 can be opened, and the pump 1612 can beemployed to draw fluid through the evacuation/refill port 1610 of thefirst junction block assembly 1400 into the reservoir 1606 in the refillprocess. It can be appreciated that the fluid employed in the fluidrefill process can be drawn from one or more fluid replacement sources(not shown) operatively associated with the evacuation/refill port 1610of the first junction block assembly 1400. In one aspect, the type offluid drawn from the reservoir 1606 during the fluid evacuation processis of the same type as the fluid refilled into the reservoir 1606 duringthe fluid refill process. In various embodiments of the present systemsand methods, the reservoir 1606 may contain, for example and withoutlimitation, transmission fluid, hydraulic fluid, lubricants such as oil,water, or another fluid used in addition to the operation of the engine1602 and/or the overall function of the fluid system 1601.

It can be appreciated that pumps employed in connection with the variousfluid systems described herein can be “on-board” or “off-board” withrespect to a machine that operates in connection with the fluid system.For example, in one illustrative embodiment, an “off-board” pump couldbe applied in connection with the evacuation/refill port 1610 with theappropriate configuration of the valve system of the fluid system ofFIG. 27 to perform one or more fluid evacuation/refill processes.

Referring now to FIG. 28, in various embodiments of the present systemsand methods, a fluid system 1701 is provided in which an engine 1702 isconnected to both a first multi-position valve 1704 and a secondmulti-position valve 1706. One or more reservoirs 1708,1709 are alsofluidically connected to each of the first and second multi-positionvalves 1704,1706. In addition, a pump 1710 is provided to facilitate oneor more evacuation processes in connection with fluids contained withthe engine 1702 and/or the reservoirs 1708,1709. In various embodimentsof the present systems and methods, the reservoirs 1708,1709 maycontain, for example and without limitation, transmission fluid,hydraulic fluid, lubricants such as oil, water, or another fluid used inaddition to the operation of the engine 1702 and/or the overall functionof the fluid system 1701. In one aspect of the operation of the fluidsystem 1701, each of the multi-position valves 1704,1706 isactuated/positioned to permit the action of the pump 1710 to evacuateand refill fluids from the engine 1702 and the reservoirs 1708,1709, ina sequence determined by an operator, for example, or by an automateddetermination by the control module 1100, for example.

In one aspect of an operational example, the engine 1702 can beidentified for performance of one or more fluid evacuation/refillprocesses. In a fluid evacuation process, appropriate ports of themulti-position valves 1704,1706 are actuated, in conjunction withactivation of the pump 1710, to draw fluid from the engine 1702 throughthe multi-position valve 1704, through the pump 1710, and through aselected port of the multi-position valve 1706 serving as an evacuationport. It can be appreciated that a waste-receiving receptacle, forexample (not shown), may be operatively associated with the selectedevacuation port of the multi-position valve 1706 to receive and/or storefluid evacuated from the engine 1702. In a subsequent fluid refillprocess, appropriate ports of the multi-position valves 1704,1706 areactuated, in conjunction with activation of the pump 1710, to draw fluidfrom a selected port of the multi-position valve 1704 serving as arefill port, through the pump 1710, through the multi-position valve1706, and to the engine 1702. It can be appreciated that a fluidreplacement source, for example (not shown), may be operativelyassociated with the selected refill port of the multi-position valve1704 to provide a source for fluid introduced into the fluid system 1701and used for the refill process for the engine 1702.

In another aspect of this operational example, the reservoir 1708 can beidentified for performance of one or more fluid refill/evacuationprocesses. In a fluid evacuation process, appropriate ports of themulti-position valves 1704,1706 are actuated, in conjunction withactivation of the pump 1710, to draw fluid from the reservoir 1708through the multi-position valve 1704, through the pump 1710, andthrough a selected port of the multi-position valve 1706 serving as anevacuation port. It can be appreciated that a waste-receivingreceptacle, for example (not shown), may be operatively associated withthe selected evacuation port of the multi-position valve 1706 to receiveand/or store fluid evacuated from the reservoir 1708. In a subsequentfluid refill process, appropriate ports of the multi-position valves1704,1706 are actuated, in conjunction with activation of the pump 1710,to draw fluid from a selected port of the multi-position valve 1704serving as a refill port, through the pump 1710, through themulti-position valve 1706, and to the reservoir 1708. It can beappreciated that a fluid replacement source, for example (not shown),may be operatively associated with the selected refill port of themulti-position valve 1704 to provide a source for fluid introduced intothe fluid system 1701 and used for the refill process for the reservoir1708.

In another aspect of this operational example, the reservoir 1709 can beidentified for performance of one or more fluid refill/evacuationprocesses. In a fluid evacuation process, appropriate ports of themulti-position valves 1704,1706 are actuated, in conjunction withactivation of the pump 1710, to draw fluid from the reservoir 1709through the multi-position valve 1704, through the pump 1710, andthrough a selected port of the multi-position valve 1706 serving as anevacuation port. It can be appreciated that a waste-receivingreceptacle, for example (not shown), may be operatively associated withthe selected evacuation port of the multi-position valve 1706 to receiveand/or store fluid evacuated from the reservoir 1709. In a subsequentfluid refill process, appropriate ports of the multi-position valves1704,1706 are actuated, in conjunction with activation of the pump 1710,to draw fluid from a selected port of the multi-position valve 1704serving as a refill port, through the pump 1710, through themulti-position valve 1706, and to the reservoir 1709. It can beappreciated that a fluid replacement source, for example (not shown),may be operatively associated with the selected refill port of themulti-position valve 1704 to provide a source for fluid introduced intothe fluid system 1701 and used for the refill process for the reservoir1709.

It is readily apparent to those skilled in the art that, in accordancewith various aspects of the present method and system embodiments,engines, reservoirs and other like receptacles can be first evacuatedand subsequently refilled in a manner that permits a pump not toencounter a refill fluid (e.g., a “clean” fluid) of a certain type,until the pump has processed an evacuated fluid (e.g., a “dirty” fluid)of the same type as the refill fluid. It can be seen that this sequenceof fluid evacuation/refill processes can reduce the degree ofcross-contamination for components or other elements of a fluid systemthat may be caused by a mixture of different types of fluids.

Referring now to FIG. 29, in various embodiments of the present systemsand methods, a fluid system 1801 is provided in which an engine 1802 isconnected to both a first multi-position valve 1804 having a refill port1806 and a second multi-position valve 1808 having an evacuation port1810. A reservoir 1812 is also fluidly connected to each of the firstand second multi-position valves 1804,1808. In addition, a pump 1814 isprovided to facilitate one or more evacuation and/or refill processes inconnection with fluids contained with the engine 1802 and/or thereservoir 1812. In another aspect, an additional reservoir 1813 isconnected between the first multi-position valve 1804 and the secondmulti-position valve 1806. In various embodiments of the present systemsand methods, the reservoirs 1812,1813 may contain, for example andwithout limitation, transmission fluid, hydraulic fluid, lubricants suchas oil, water, or another fluid used in addition to the operation of theengine 1802 and/or the overall function of the fluid system 1801.

In one example aspect of the operation of the fluid system 1801 shown inFIG. 29, the multi-position valves 1804,1808 are actuated/positioned topermit the action of the pump 1814 to remove fluid from the reservoir1812. Then, in this operational example, the multi-position valves1804,1808 can be actuated/positioned to perform a fluid refill processfor the reservoir 1812. Thereafter, the engine 1802 can be evacuated andthen refilled in sequence once the fluid processes involving thereservoir 1812 have been completed.

In accordance with previous discussion hereinabove, it can beappreciated that the operative association of the fluid system 1801, forexample, with the control module 1100 permits a variety of sequences andcombinations of evacuation and refill processes. Such sequencing can befacilitated by the control module 1100 through a combination of manualand/or automated processes executed in conjunction with the operation ofthe control module 1100. It can be seen that such sequencing ofevacuation and/or refill operations can be applied to various previouslydiscussed embodiments of the present systems and methods, as well asembodiments discussed hereinafter.

Referring now to FIG. 30, in various embodiments of the present systemsand methods, a fluid system 1901 is provided in which an engine 1902 isconnected to a junction block assembly 1400 through a valve 1904. Afirst reservoir 1906 is also connected to the junction block assembly1400 through a valve 1908. In addition, a second reservoir 1910 isconnected to the junction block assembly 1400 through a valve 1912. Thejunction block assembly 1400 includes an evacuation port 1914 structuredto fluidically connect with a quick disconnect 1916. In operation of thefluid system 1901, the quick disconnect 1916 establishes fluidconnection between the junction block assembly 1400 and a pump 1918. Inaddition, a waste-receiving receptacle 1920 is connected to the pump1918. In an example fluid evacuation process, the respective positionsof the valves 1904,1908,1912, the actuation/position of the junctionblock assembly 1400, the connection of the quick disconnect 1916 to theevacuation port 1914, and the operation of the pump 1918 work inconjunction to perform a fluid evacuation process for each of the engine1902 and the first and second reservoirs 1906,1910. For example, it canbe seen that such a fluid evacuation process results in fluid flowingfrom the engine 1902 into the waste-receiving receptacle 1920. It can beappreciated that the functions of the control module 1100, working inassociation with the various components of the fluid system 1901, canresult in evacuating fluids, and subsequently refilling fluids, for oneor more of the engine 1902 and the reservoirs 1906,1910 in a sequentialmanner. In various embodiments of the present systems and methods, thereservoirs 1906,1910 may contain, for example and without limitation,transmission fluid, hydraulic fluid, lubricants such as oil, water, oranother fluid used in addition to the operation of the engine 1902and/or the overall function of the fluid system 1901.

Referring now to FIG. 31, in various embodiments of the present systemsand methods, a fluid system 2001 is provided in which an engine 2002 isconnected to a junction block assembly 1400 through a valve 2004. Afirst reservoir 2006 is also connected to the junction block assembly1400 through a valve 2008. In addition, a second reservoir 2010 isconnected to the junction block assembly 1400 through a valve 2012. Thejunction block assembly 1400 includes a refill port 2014 structured tofluidly connect with a quick disconnect 2016. In operation of the fluidsystem 2001, the quick disconnect 2016 establishes fluid connectionbetween the junction block assembly 1400 and a pump 2018. In addition, afluid source 2020 is connected to the pump 2018. In one aspect of thepresent embodiment, the fluid source may be detachably connected to thepump 2018 so that subsequent fluid sources (not shown) containing avariety of fluids can be introduced to the fluid system 2001 through theaction of the pump 2018. In an example fluid refill process, therespective positions of the valves 2004,2008,2012, theactuation/position of the junction block assembly 1400, the connectionof the quick disconnect 2016 to the refill port 2014, and the operationof the pump 2018 work in conjunction to perform various fluid refillprocesses for the engine 2002 and the first and second reservoirs2006,2010. In one example, it can be seen that such a fluid refillprocess can result in fluid flowing into the engine 2002 (after a priorfluid evacuation process) from the fluid source 2020. It can beappreciated that the functions of the control module 1100, working inassociation with the various components of the fluid system 2001, canresult in evacuating/refilling one or more of the engine 2002 and thereservoirs 2006,2010 in a sequential manner. As shown, filters2022,2024,2026 may be employed to filter contaminants or other particlespresent in fluid flowing from the fluid source 2020 to the engine 2002,the first reservoir 2006, or the second reservoir 2010 (respectively).In various embodiments of the present systems and methods, thereservoirs 2006,2010 may contain, for example and without limitation,transmission fluid, hydraulic fluid, lubricants such as oil, water, oranother fluid used in addition to the operation of the engine 2002and/or the overall function of the fluid system 2001. In addition, inanother aspect, supplemental filter system 2028 can be installed betweenthe refill port 2014 and the pump 2018. In various aspects of thepresent systems and methods, the supplemental filter system 2028 may be,for example, a fine filtration system, as that term is understood in theart.

Referring now to FIG. 32, in various embodiments of the presentinvention, a check valve assembly 2100 is provided in accordance withvarious systems and methods. The assembly 2100 includes a first checkvalve 2102 having an inlet 2102A in fluid communication with a commonrefill/evacuation location 2104 and an outlet 2102B in fluidcommunication with a portion of a fluid system 2106. A second checkvalve 2108 of the assembly 2100 includes an inlet 2108A in communicationwith a fluid reservoir 2110, for example, or another similar structureincluded within a fluid system. The second check valve 2108 furtherincludes an outlet 2108B in fluid communication with the commonrefill/evacuation location 2104. In addition, an inlet/outlet port 2112may be structured for fluid communication with the commonrefill/evacuation location 2104.

In various embodiments, the portion of a fluid system 2106 may includeany reasonable combination of valves, pipes, reservoirs and/or otherfluidic structures. In certain embodiments, the portion of a fluidsystem 2106 may be configured to include an operative association withat least a pre-filter portion of the fluid system. In variousembodiments, the fluid reservoir 2110 may contain a quantity of a fluidsuch as oil, transmission fluid, hydraulic fluid, or another type offluid described hereinabove and/or any other fluid suitable for use inaccordance with the present systems and methods. In certain embodiments,a quick disconnect 2114 or other similar type of coupling may beoperatively associated with the inlet/outlet port 2112 to permitoperative association of various fluidic structures such as an externalpump, for example, with the inlet/outlet port 2112. In variousembodiments, the inlet/outlet port 2112 may be operatively associatedwith a clustered service location (as described hereinabove), forexample.

In various embodiments, the inlet 2102A of the first check valve 2102may be structured to respond to application of positive pressure(represented by arrow 2116) at the common refill/evacuation location2104, which response to the positive pressure 2116 includes actuatingthe first check valve 2102 and permitting fluid to flow therethrough. Asapplied herein with respect to pressure levels, the term “positive”means pressure which is at a level sufficient to move a fluid or fluidsin the direction of the positive pressure flow 2116 (e.g., fluid movingin a direction from the inlet/outlet port 2112 to the inlet 2102A of thefirst check valve 2102). During a filter purge operation, for example,compressed air may be introduced as positive pressure at the commonrefill/evacuation location 2104 and the inlet 2102A of the first checkvalve 2102. The positive pressure of the compressed air actuates thefirst check valve 2102 to permit the compressed air to flow to at leastthe portion of a fluid system 2016 and/or through passages, valves,filters, reservoirs or other fluidic structures in the fluid system thatmay contain old or used fluids (e.g., old or used oil). During a refilloperation, for example, application of positive pressure 2116 at thecommon refill/evacuation location 2104 permits fluid flowing from theinlet/outlet port 2112 to flow through the first check valve 2102 to theportion of a fluid system 2106.

Conversely, the second check valve 2108 may be structured to respond toapplication of negative pressure (represented by arrow 2118) at thecommon refill/evacuation location 2104, which response to the negativepressure 2118 includes actuating the second check valve 2108 andpermitting fluid to flow therethrough. As applied herein with respect topressure levels, the term “negative” means pressure which is at a levelsufficient to move a fluid or fluids in the direction of the negativepressure flow 2118 (e.g., fluid moving in a direction from the outlet2108B of the second check valve 2108 to the inlet/outlet port 2112).During an evacuation operation, for example, application of negativepressure 2118 at the common refill/evacuation location 2104 permitsfluid to flow through the second check valve 2108 to the inlet/outletport 2112 of the assembly 2100. It can be appreciated that the presentsystems and methods permit alternative performance of positive pressurefluid operations or negative pressure fluid operations at the commonrefill/evacuation location 2104.

In various embodiments, the inlet/outlet port 2112 may be in fluidcommunication with one or more fluid components, such as fluid component2120 shown in FIG. 32. The fluid component 2120 may include one or moreof the following fluidic structures, for example and without limitation:a pump that is off-board with respect to a machine being serviced; apump that is on-board with respect to a machine being serviced; a flowcontrol means (in accordance with embodiments described hereinabove)such as a hand-held device, for example; and/or, a bracket or evacuationbracket (in accordance with embodiments described hereinabove). Thefluid component 2120 may also be any other component suitable forsupplying positive and/or negative fluid pressure to the inlet/outletport 2112 in accordance with the various fluid operations describedherein.

Referring now to FIG. 33, in various embodiments of the presentinvention, a check valve system 2148 may include multiple check valveassemblies 2150, 2170, 2190 configured in accordance with the presentinvention to service multiple fluid reservoirs 2160, 2180, 2200, forexample, and/or multiple kinds of fluids contained in the fluidreservoirs 2160, 2180, 2200. In various embodiments, one or more of thecheck valve assemblies 2150, 2170, 2190 may be structured to be part ofthe same fluid system, or any of the check valve assemblies 2150, 2170,2190 may be structured for operation as part of an independentlyoperating fluid system.

In the first check valve assembly 2150, for example, a first check valve2152 may be structured with an inlet 2152A in fluid communication with acommon refill/evacuation location 2154 and an outlet 2152B in fluidcommunication with a portion of a fluid system 2156. In certainembodiments, the portion of a fluid system 2156 may be configured toinclude an operative association with at least a pre-filter portion ofthe fluid system. A second check valve 2158 of the assembly 2150includes an inlet 2158A in communication with the fluid reservoir 2160,for example, or another similar structure in fluidic association withthe assembly 2150. The second check valve 2158 further includes anoutlet 2158B in fluid communication with the common refill/evacuationlocation 2154. An inlet/outlet port 2162 may be structured for fluidcommunication with the common refill/evacuation location 2154. Invarious embodiments, the inlet/outlet port 2162 may be operativelyassociated with a clustered service location (as described hereinabove),for example. In certain embodiments, a quick disconnect (not shown) maybe operatively associated with the common refill/evacuation location2154 to permit ready connection and disconnection of fluidic structuresin operative association with the common refill/evacuation location2154.

In various embodiments, the inlet 2152A of the first check valve 2152may be structured to respond to application of positive pressure(represented by arrow 2166) at the common refill/evacuation location2154, which response to the positive pressure 2166 includes actuatingthe first check valve 2152 and permitting fluid to flow therethrough. Asapplied herein with respect to pressure levels, the term “positive”means pressure which is at a level sufficient to move a fluid or fluidsin the direction of the positive pressure flow 2166 (e.g., fluid movingin a direction from the inlet/outlet port 2162 to the inlet 2152A of thefirst check valve 2152). During a fluid refill operation, for example,application of positive pressure 2166 at the common refill/evacuationlocation 2154 permits fluid flowing from the inlet/outlet port 2162 toflow through the first check valve 2152 to the portion of a fluid system2156.

Conversely, the second check valve 2158 may be structured to respond toapplication of negative pressure (represented by arrow 2168) at thecommon refill/evacuation location 2154, which response to the negativepressure 2168 includes actuating the second check valve 2168 andpermitting fluid to flow therethrough. As applied herein with respect topressure levels, the term “negative” means pressure which is at a levelsufficient to move a fluid or fluids in the direction of the negativepressure flow 2168 (e.g., fluid moving in a direction from the outlet2158B of the second check valve 2158 to the inlet/outlet port 2162).During an evacuation operation, for example, application of negativepressure 2168 at the common refill/evacuation location 2154 permitsfluid to flow through the second check valve 2158 to the inlet/outletport 2162 of the assembly 2150. It can be appreciated that the presentsystems and methods permit alternative performance of positive pressurefluid operations or negative pressure fluid operations at the commonrefill/evacuation location 2154.

In other aspects of the check valve system 2148, with reference to thesecond check valve assembly 2170, a third check valve 2172 may bestructured with an inlet 2172A in fluid communication with a commonrefill/evacuation location 2174 and an outlet 2172B in fluidcommunication with a portion of a fluid system 2176. In certainembodiments, the portion of a fluid system 2176 may be configured toinclude an operative association with at least a pre-filter portion ofthe fluid system. A fourth check valve 2178 of the assembly 2150includes an inlet 2178A in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir2180, for example, or another similar structure fluidically associatedwith the assembly 2170. The fourth check valve 2178 further includes anoutlet 2178B in fluid communication with the common refill/evacuationlocation 2174. An inlet/outlet port 2182 may be structured for fluidcommunication with the common refill/evacuation location 2174. Invarious embodiments, the inlet/outlet port 2182 may be operativelyassociated with a clustered service location (as described hereinabove),for example. In certain embodiments, a quick disconnect (not shown) maybe operatively associated with the common refill/evacuation location2174 to permit ready connection or disconnection of fluidic structuresin operative association with/from the common refill/evacuation location2174.

In various embodiments, the inlet 2172A of the third check valve 2172may be structured to respond to application of positive pressure(represented by arrow 2186) at the common refill/evacuation location2174, which response to the positive pressure 2186 includes actuatingthe third check valve 2172 and permitting fluid to flow therethrough. Asapplied herein with respect to pressure levels, the term “positive”means pressure which is at a level sufficient to move a fluid or fluidsin the direction of the positive pressure flow 2186 (e.g., fluid movingin a direction from the inlet/outlet port 2182 to the inlet 2172A of thethird check valve 2172). During a refill operation, for example,application of positive pressure 2186 at the common refill/evacuationlocation 2174 permits fluid flowing from the inlet/outlet port 2182 toflow through the third check valve 2172 to the portion of a fluid system2176.

Conversely, the fourth check valve 2178 may be structured to respond toapplication of negative pressure (represented by arrow 2188) at thecommon refill/evacuation location 2174, which response to the negativepressure 2188 includes actuating the fourth check valve 2188 andpermitting fluid to flow therethrough. As applied herein with respect topressure levels, the term “negative” means pressure which is at a levelsufficient to move a fluid or fluids in the direction of the negativepressure flow 2188 (e.g., fluid moving in a direction from the outlet2178B of the fourth check valve 2178 to the inlet/outlet port 2182).During an evacuation operation, for example, application of negativepressure 2188 at the common refill/evacuation location 2174 permitsfluid to flow through the fourth check valve 2178 to the inlet/outletport 2182 of the assembly 2170. It can be appreciated that the presentsystems and methods permit alternative performance of positive pressurefluid operations or negative pressure fluid operations at the commonrefill/evacuation location 2174.

With reference to the third check valve assembly 2190 of the system2148, a fifth check valve 2192 may have an inlet 2192A in fluidcommunication with a common refill/evacuation location 2194 and anoutlet 2192B in fluid communication with a portion of a fluid system2196. In certain embodiments, the portion of a fluid system 2196 may beconfigured to include an operative association with at least apre-filter portion of the fluid system. A sixth check valve 2198 of theassembly 2190 includes an inlet 2198A in fluid communication with thefluid reservoir 2200, for example, or another similar structurefluidically associated with the assembly 2190. The sixth check valve2198 further includes an outlet 2198B in fluid communication with thecommon refill/evacuation location 2194. An inlet/outlet port 2202 may bestructured for fluid communication with the common refill/evacuationlocation 2194. In various embodiments, the inlet/outlet port 2112 may beoperatively associated with a clustered service location (as describedhereinabove), for example. In certain embodiments, a quick disconnect(not shown) may be operatively associated with the commonrefill/evacuation location 2194 to permit ready connection anddisconnection of fluidic structures in operative association with thecommon refill/evacuation location 2194.

In various embodiments, the inlet 2192A of the fifth check valve 2192may be structured to respond to application of positive pressure(represented by arrow 2206) at the common refill/evacuation location2194, which response to the positive pressure 2206 includes actuatingthe fifth check valve 2192 and permitting fluid to flow therethrough. Asapplied herein with respect to pressure levels, the term “positive”means pressure which is at a level sufficient to move a fluid or fluidsin the direction of the positive pressure flow 2206 (e.g., fluid movingin a direction from the inlet/outlet port 2202 to the inlet 2192A of thefifth check valve 2192). During a refill operation, for example,application of positive pressure 2206 at the common refill/evacuationlocation 2194 permits fluid flowing from the inlet/outlet port 2202 toflow through the fifth check valve 2192 to the portion of a fluid system2196.

Conversely, the sixth check valve 2198 may be structured to respond toapplication of negative pressure (represented by arrow 2208) at thecommon refill/evacuation location 2194, which response to the negativepressure 2208 includes actuating the sixth check valve 2198 andpermitting fluid to flow therethrough. As applied herein with respect topressure levels, the term “negative” means pressure which is at a levelsufficient to move a fluid or fluids in the direction of the negativepressure flow 2208 (e.g., fluid moving in a direction from the outlet2198B of the sixth check valve 2198 to the inlet/outlet port 2202).During an evacuation operation, for example, application of negativepressure 2208 at the common refill/evacuation location 2194 permitsfluid to flow through the sixth check valve 2198 to the inlet/outletport 2202 of the assembly 2190. It can be appreciated that the presentsystems and methods permit alternative performance of positive pressurefluid operations or negative pressure fluid operations at the commonrefill/evacuation location 2194.

It can be seen that multiple check valve assembly configurations (e.g.,such as configurations that include the check valve assemblies 2150,2170, 2190) permit multiple fluid operations such as refill operations,evacuation operations, and/or filter purge operations, for example, tobe performed on multiple fluid reservoirs. It can be appreciated thatany number of check valve assemblies may be provided within the scope ofthe present methods and systems. The illustration of three separatecheck valve assemblies 2150, 2170, 2190 in FIG. 33, for example, ismerely for purposes of convenience of disclosure. More or fewer checkvalve assemblies may be employed in operative association with fluidsystems configured in accordance with the present invention. Each of theportions of a fluid system 2156, 2176, 2196 may include any reasonablecombination of valves, pipes, reservoirs and/or other fluidicstructures. In various embodiments, one or more of the fluid reservoirs2160, 2180, 2200 may contain a quantity of a fluid such as oil,transmission fluid, hydraulic fluid, or another type of fluid describedhereinabove and/or any other fluid suitable for use in accordance withthe present systems and methods.

In various embodiments, any one or more of the inlet/outlet ports 2162,2182, 2202 may be in fluid communication with one or more fluidcomponents (not shown) including one or more of the following fluidicstructures, for example and without limitation: a pump that is off-boardwith respect to a machine being serviced; a pump that is on-board withrespect to a machine being serviced; a flow control means (in accordancewith embodiments described hereinabove) such as a hand-held device, forexample; and/or, a bracket or evacuation bracket (in accordance withembodiments described hereinabove). The fluid component may also be anyother component suitable for supplying positive and/or negative fluidpressure to the inlet/outlet ports 2162, 2182, 2202 in accordance withvarious fluid operations described herein.

Referring now to FIG. 34, in accordance with various embodiments of thepresent invention, an electronic valve assembly 2300 is provided inaccordance with the present systems and methods. The assembly 2300includes a first electronic valve 2302 having an inlet 2302A in fluidcommunication with a common refill/evacuation location 2304 and anoutlet 2302B in fluid communication with a portion of a fluid system2306. In various embodiments, the portion of a fluid system 2306 mayinclude an operative association with at least a pre-filter portion ofthe fluid system. A second electronic valve 2308 of the assembly 2300includes an inlet 2308A in communication with a fluid reservoir 2310,for example, or another similar structure included within the fluidsystem 2300. The second electronic valve 2308 further includes an outlet2308B in fluid communication with the common refill/evacuation location2304. In addition, an inlet/outlet port 2312 may be structured for fluidcommunication with the common refill/evacuation location 2304.

The portion of the fluid system 2306 may include any reasonablecombination of valves, pipes, reservoirs and/or other fluidicstructures. In various embodiments, the fluid reservoir 2310 may containa quantity of a fluid such as oil, transmission fluid, hydraulic fluid,or another type of fluid described hereinabove and/or any other fluidsuitable for use in accordance with the present systems and methods. Incertain embodiments, a quick disconnect 2314 or other similar type ofcoupling may be operatively associated with the inlet/outlet port 2312to permit operative association of various fluidic structures such as anexternal pump, for example, with the inlet/outlet port 2312. In variousembodiments, the inlet/outlet port 2312 may be operatively associatedwith a clustered service location (as described hereinabove), forexample.

In various embodiments, a control module 2316 may be operativelyassociated with one or both of the electronic valves 2302, 2308 toactuate the valves 2302, 2308 upon sensing a predetermined pressurelevel, for example, within the assembly 2300. One or more sensors suchas pressure sensors 2318, 2320, for example, may be operativelyassociated with the control module 2316 and/or the electronic valves2302, 2308 to provide pressure level information to the control module2316.

The sensor 2318 associated with the first electronic valve 2302, forexample, may be configured to communicate a signal indicative ofapplication of positive pressure (represented by arrow 2322) at thecommon refill/evacuation location 2304, which response to the positivepressure 2322 includes actuating the first electronic valve 2302 topermit fluid flow therethrough. As applied herein with respect topressure levels, the term “positive” means pressure which is at a levelsufficient to move a fluid or fluids in the direction of the positivepressure flow 2322 (e.g., fluid moving in a direction from theinlet/outlet port 2312 to the inlet 2302A of the first electronic valve2302). During a refill operation, for example, application of positivepressure 2322 at the common refill/evacuation location 2304, andsubsequent actuation of the first electronic valve 2302 by the controlmodule 2316, permit fluid to flow from the inlet/outlet port 2312,through the first electronic valve 2302 to the portion of the fluidsystem 2306.

In addition, the sensor 2320 associated with the second electronic valve2308, for example, may be configured to communicate a signal indicativeof application of negative pressure (represented by arrow 2324) at thecommon refill/evacuation location 2304, which response to the negativepressure 2324 includes actuating the second electronic valve 2308 andpermitting fluid to flow therethrough. As applied herein with respect topressure levels, the term “negative” means pressure which is at a levelsufficient to move a fluid or fluids in the direction of the negativepressure flow 2324 (e.g., fluid moving in a direction from the outlet2308B of the second electronic valve 2308 to the inlet/outlet port2312). During an evacuation operation, for example, application ofnegative pressure 2324 at the common refill/evacuation location 2304,and subsequent actuation of the second electronic valve 2308, permitfluid to flow through the second electronic valve 2308 to theinlet/outlet port 2312 of the assembly 2300. It can be appreciated thatthe present systems and methods permit alternative positive pressurefluid operations or negative pressure fluid operations to be performedat the common refill/evacuation location 2304.

In various embodiments, the inlet/outlet port 2312 may be in fluidcommunication with one or more fluid components, such as fluid component2326 shown in FIG. 34. The fluid component 2326 may include one or moreof the following fluidic structures, for example and without limitation:a pump that is off-board with respect to a machine being serviced; apump that is on-board with respect to a machine being serviced; a flowcontrol means (in accordance with embodiments described hereinabove)such as a hand-held device, for example; and/or, a bracket or evacuationbracket (in accordance with embodiments described hereinabove). Thefluid component 2326 may also be any other component suitable forsupplying positive and/or negative fluid pressure to the inlet/outletport 2312 in accordance with the various fluid operations describedherein.

Referring now to FIG. 35, in various embodiments of the presentinvention, an electronic valve system 2348 may include multipleelectronic valve assemblies 2350, 2370, 2390 configured in accordancewith the present invention to service multiple fluid reservoirs, forexample, and/or multiple kinds of fluids contained in the fluidreservoirs. In various embodiments, one or more of the electronic valveassemblies 2350, 2370, 2390 may be structured to be part of the samefluid system, or any of the electronic valve assemblies 2350, 2370, 2390may be structured for operation as part of an independently operatingfluid system. In the first electronic valve assembly 2350, for example,a first electronic valve 2352 may be structured with an inlet 2352A influid communication with a common refill/evacuation location 2354 and anoutlet 2352B in fluid communication with a portion of a fluid system2356. In certain embodiments, the portion of a fluid system 2356 may beconfigured to include an operative association with at least apre-filter portion of the fluid system. A second electronic valve 2358of the assembly 2350 may include an inlet 2358A in communication with afluid reservoir 2360, for example, or another similar structure influidic association with the assembly 2350. The second electronic valve2358 further includes an outlet 2358B in fluid communication with thecommon refill/evacuation location 2354. An inlet/outlet port 2362 may bestructured for fluid communication with the common refill/evacuationlocation 2354. In various embodiments, the inlet/outlet port 2362 may beoperatively associated with a clustered service location (as describedhereinabove), for example. In certain embodiments, a quick disconnect(not shown) may be operatively associated with the commonrefill/evacuation location 2354 to permit ready connection/disconnectionof fluidic structures to/from operative association with the commonrefill/evacuation location 2354.

In various embodiments, the inlet 2352A of the first electronic valve2352 may be structured to respond to application of positive pressure(represented by arrow 2366) at the common refill/evacuation location2354, which response to the positive pressure 2366 includes actuatingthe first electronic valve 2352 and permitting fluid to flowtherethrough. As applied herein with respect to pressure levels, theterm “positive” means pressure which is at a level sufficient to move afluid or fluids in the direction of the positive pressure flow 2366(e.g., fluid moving in a direction from the inlet/outlet port 2362 tothe inlet 2352A of the first electronic valve 2352). During a refilloperation, for example, application of positive pressure 2366 at thecommon refill/evacuation location 2354 permits fluid flowing from theinlet/outlet port 2362 to flow through the first electronic valve 2352to the portion of a fluid system 2356.

Conversely, the second electronic valve 2358 may be structured torespond to application of negative pressure (represented by arrow 2368)at the common refill/evacuation location 2354, which response to thenegative pressure 2368 includes actuating the second electronic valve2368 and permitting fluid to flow therethrough. As applied herein withrespect to pressure levels, the term “negative” means pressure which isat a level sufficient to move a fluid or fluids in the direction of thenegative pressure flow 2368 (e.g., fluid moving in a direction from theoutlet 2358B of the second electronic valve 2358 to the inlet/outletport 2362). During an evacuation operation, for example, application ofnegative pressure 2368 at the common refill/evacuation location 2354permits fluid to flow through the second electronic valve 2358 to theinlet/outlet port 2362 of the assembly 2350. It can be appreciated thatthe present systems and methods permit alternative performance ofpositive pressure fluid operations or negative pressure fluid operationsat the common refill/evacuation location 2354.

In other aspects of the electronic valve system 2348, with reference tothe second electronic valve assembly 2370, a third electronic valve 2372may be structured with an inlet 2372A in fluid communication with acommon refill/evacuation location 2374 and an outlet 2372B in fluidcommunication with a portion of a fluid system 2376. In certainembodiments, the portion of a fluid system 2376 may be configured toinclude an operative association with at least a pre-filter portion ofthe fluid system. A fourth electronic valve 2378 of the assembly 2370includes an inlet 2378A in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir2380, for example, or another similar structure fluidically associatedwith the assembly 2370. The fourth electronic valve 2378 furtherincludes an outlet 2378B in fluid communication with the commonrefill/evacuation location 2374. An inlet/outlet port 2382 may bestructured for fluid communication with the common refill/evacuationlocation 2374. In various embodiments, the inlet/outlet port 2382 may beoperatively associated with a clustered service location (as describedhereinabove), for example. In certain embodiments, a quick disconnect(not shown) may be operatively associated with the commonrefill/evacuation location 2374 to permit ready connection ordisconnection of fluidic structures to/from operative association withthe common refill/evacuation location 2374.

In various embodiments, the inlet 2372A of the third electronic valve2372 may be structured to respond to application of positive pressure(represented by arrow 2386) at the common refill/evacuation location2374, which response to the positive pressure 2386 includes actuatingthe third electronic valve 2372 and permitting fluid to flowtherethrough. As applied herein with respect to pressure levels, theterm “positive” means pressure which is at a level sufficient to move afluid or fluids in the direction of the positive pressure flow 2386(e.g., fluid moving in a direction from the inlet/outlet port 2382 tothe inlet 2372A of the third electronic valve 2372). During a refilloperation, for example, application of positive pressure 2386 at thecommon refill/evacuation location 2374 permits fluid flowing from theinlet/outlet port 2382 to flow through the third electronic valve 2372to the portion of a fluid system 2376.

Conversely, the fourth electronic valve 2378 may be structured torespond to application of negative pressure (represented by arrow 2388)at the common refill/evacuation location 2374, which response to thenegative pressure 2388 includes actuating the fourth electronic valve2388 and permitting fluid to flow therethrough. As applied herein withrespect to pressure levels, the term “negative” means pressure which isat a level sufficient to move a fluid or fluids in the direction of thenegative pressure flow 2388 (e.g., fluid moving in a direction from theoutlet 2378B of the fourth electronic valve 2378 to the inlet/outletport 2382). During an evacuation operation, for example, application ofnegative pressure 2388 at the common refill/evacuation location 2374permits fluid to flow through the fourth electronic valve 2378 to theinlet/outlet port 2382 of the assembly 2370. It can be appreciated thatthe present systems and methods permit alternative performance ofpositive pressure fluid operations or negative pressure fluid operationsat the common refill/evacuation location 2374.

With reference to the third electronic valve assembly 2390 of the system2348, a fifth electronic valve 2392 may have an inlet 2392A in fluidcommunication with a common refill/evacuation location 2394 and anoutlet 2392B in fluid communication with a portion of a fluid system2396. In certain embodiments, the portion of a fluid system 2396 may beconfigured to include an operative association with at least apre-filter portion of the fluid system. A sixth electronic valve 2398 ofthe assembly 2390 includes an inlet 2398A in fluid communication with afluid reservoir 2400, for example, or another similar structureoperatively associated with the assembly 2390. The sixth electronicvalve 2398 further includes an outlet 2398B in fluid communication withthe common refill/evacuation location 2394. An inlet/outlet port 2402may be structured for fluid communication with the commonrefill/evacuation location 2394. In various embodiments, theinlet/outlet port 2312 may be operatively associated with a clusteredservice location (as described hereinabove), for example. In certainembodiments, a quick disconnect (not shown) may be operativelyassociated with the common refill/evacuation location 2394 to permitready connection or disconnection of fluidic structures to/fromoperative association with the common refill/evacuation location 2394.

In various embodiments, the inlet 2392A of the fifth electronic valve2392 may be structured to respond to application of positive pressure(represented by arrow 2406) at the common refill/evacuation location2394, which response to the positive pressure 2406 includes actuatingthe fifth electronic valve 2392 and permitting fluid to flowtherethrough. As applied herein with respect to pressure levels, theterm “positive” means pressure which is at a level sufficient to move afluid or fluids in the direction of the positive pressure flow 2406(e.g., fluid moving in a direction from the inlet/outlet port 2402 tothe inlet 2392A of the fifth electronic valve 2392). During a refilloperation, for example, application of positive pressure 2406 at thecommon refill/evacuation location 2394 permits fluid flowing from theinlet/outlet port 2402 to flow through the fifth electronic valve 2392to the portion of a fluid system 2396.

Conversely, the sixth electronic valve 2398 may be structured to respondto application of negative pressure (represented by arrow 2408) at thecommon refill/evacuation location 2394, which response to the negativepressure 2408 includes actuating the sixth electronic valve 2398 andpermitting fluid to flow therethrough. As applied herein with respect topressure levels, the term “negative” means pressure which is at a levelsufficient to move a fluid or fluids in the direction of the negativepressure flow 2408 (e.g., fluid moving in a direction from the outlet2398B of the sixth electronic valve 2398 to the inlet/outlet port 2402).During an evacuation operation, for example, application of negativepressure 2408 at the common refill/evacuation location 2394 permitsfluid to flow through the sixth electronic valve 2398 to theinlet/outlet port 2402 of the assembly 2390. It can be appreciated thatthe present systems and methods permit alternative performance ofpositive pressure fluid operations or negative pressure fluid operationsat the common refill/evacuation location 2394.

In various embodiments, a control module 2502 may be operativelyassociated with one or more of the electronic valves 2352, 2358, 2372,2378, 2392, 2398 to actuate the valves 2352, 2358, 2372, 2378, 2392,2398 upon sensing a predetermined pressure level, for example, withinone or more of the assemblies 2350, 2370, 2390 of the electronic valvesystem 2348. One or more sensors such as pressure sensors 2504, 2506,2508, 2510, 2512, 2514, for example, may be operatively associated withthe control module 2502 and/or the electronic valves 2352, 2358, 2372,2378, 2392, 2398 to provide pressure level information to the controlmodule 2502.

The sensor 2504 associated with the first electronic valve 2352 of thefirst electronic valve assembly 2350 of the system 2348, for example,may be configured to communicate a signal indicative of application ofpositive pressure (represented by arrow 2366) at the commonrefill/evacuation location 2354, which response to the positive pressure2366 includes actuating the first electronic valve 2352 to permit fluidflow therethrough. As applied herein with respect to pressure levels,the term “positive” means pressure which is at a level sufficient tomove a fluid or fluids in the direction of the positive pressure flow2366 (e.g., fluid moving in a direction from the inlet/outlet port 2362to the inlet 2352A of the first electronic valve 2352). During a refilloperation, for example, application of positive pressure 2366 at thecommon refill/evacuation location 2354, and subsequent actuation of thefirst electronic valve 2352 by the control module 2502, for example,together permit fluid to flow from the inlet/outlet port 2362, throughthe first electronic valve 2352 to the portion of the fluid system 2356.

In addition, the sensor 2506 associated with the second electronic valve2358, for example, may be configured to communicate a signal indicativeof application of negative pressure (represented by arrow 2368) at thecommon refill/evacuation location 2354, which response to the negativepressure 2368 includes actuating the second electronic valve 2358 andpermitting fluid to flow therethrough. As applied herein with respect topressure levels, the term “negative” means pressure which is at a levelsufficient to move a fluid or fluids in the direction of the negativepressure flow 2368 (e.g., fluid moving in a direction from the outlet2358B of the second electronic valve 2358 to the inlet/outlet port2362). During an evacuation operation, for example, application ofnegative pressure 2368 at the common refill/evacuation location 2354,and subsequent actuation of the second electronic valve 2358, permitfluid to flow through the second electronic valve 2358 to theinlet/outlet port 2362 of the assembly 2350. It can be appreciated thatthe present systems and methods permit alternative positive pressurefluid operations or negative pressure fluid operations to be performedat the common refill/evacuation location 2354.

It can be seen that multiple electronic valve assembly configurations(e.g., such as configurations that include the electronic valveassemblies 2350, 2370, 2390) permit multiple fluid operations such asrefill operations, evacuation operations, and/or filter purgeoperations, for example, to be performed on multiple fluid reservoirs.It can be appreciated that any number of electronic valve assemblies maybe provided within the scope of the present methods and systems. Theillustration of three separate electronic valve assemblies 2350, 2370,2390 in FIG. 35, for example, is merely for purposes of convenience ofdisclosure. More or less electronic valve assemblies may be employed inoperative association with fluid systems configured in accordance withthe present invention. Each of the portions of a fluid system 2356,2376, 2396 may include any reasonable combination of valves, pipes,reservoirs and/or other fluidic structures. In various embodiments, oneor more of the fluid reservoirs 2360, 2380, 2400 may contain a quantityof a fluid such as oil, transmission fluid, hydraulic fluid, or anothertype of fluid described hereinabove and/or any other fluid suitable foruse in accordance with the present systems and methods.

In various embodiments, any one or more of the inlet/outlet ports 2362,2382, 2402 may be in fluid communication with one or more fluidcomponents including one or more of the following fluidic structures,for example and without limitation: a pump that is off-board withrespect to a machine being serviced; a pump that is on-board withrespect to a machine being serviced; a flow control means (in accordancewith embodiments described hereinabove) such as a hand-held device, forexample; and/or, a bracket or evacuation bracket (in accordance withembodiments described hereinabove). The fluid component may also be anyother component suitable for supplying positive and/or negative fluidpressure to the inlet/outlet ports 2362, 2382, 2402 in accordance withthe various fluid operations described herein.

Referring now to FIG. 36, an illustration of a fluid system 2600 inaccordance with various aspects of the present systems and methods isprovided. The fluid system 2600 includes a first check valve 2602 havingan inlet 2602A in fluid communication with a common refill/evacuationlocation 2604 and an outlet 2602B in fluid communication with apre-filter portion 2606 of the fluid system 2600. A second check valve2608 of the fluid system 2600 includes an inlet 2608A in communicationwith an engine fluid reservoir 2610, for example. The second check valve2608 further includes an outlet 2608B in fluid communication with thecommon refill/evacuation location 2604. In addition, an inlet/outletport 2612 may be structured for fluid communication with the commonrefill/evacuation location 2604. In another aspect, a fluid filter 2614is in fluid communication with the pre-filter portion 2606 and the fluidreservoir 2610 of the fluid system 2600. It can be appreciated that thefluid filter 2614 may be, for example and without limitation, an oilfilter, a transmission fluid filter, a hydraulic fluid filter or avariety of other types of suitable fluid filters for corresponding typesof fluid systems. In various embodiments, a quick disconnect 2616 orother similar type of coupling may be operatively associated with theinlet/outlet port 2612 to permit operative association of variousfluidic structures such as an external pump, for example, with theinlet/outlet port 2612.

Referring now to FIG. 37, a flow chart is provided that includesexamples of various fluid operations that may be performed in accordancewith the present systems and methods. In step 2702, and in connectionwith the fluid system 2600 of FIG. 36 by way of example, positivepressure may be introduced at the common refill/evacuation location2604. A fluid such as air, for example, may be introduced through theinlet/outlet port 2612 to provide positive pressure at the commonrefill/evacuation location 2604. The positive pressure actuates thefirst check valve 2602 and permits the contents of the fluid filter 2614to be purged in step 2704. The purged contents of the fluid filter 2614may be forced by the positive pressure into the engine fluid reservoir2610, for example.

In step 2706, negative pressure may be introduced at the commonrefill/evacuation location 2604 through the inlet/outlet port 2612. Itcan be seen that such negative pressure actuates the second check valve2608 to permit fluid to be evacuated from the engine fluid reservoir2610 in step 2708 (which evacuated fluid includes the contents of thefluid filter purged in step 2704) through the second check valve 2608 toexit through the inlet/outlet port 2612. In addition, positive pressuremay be introduced in step 2710 at the common refill/evacuation location2604 such as during performance of a refill fluid operation, forexample, to refill the contents of the engine fluid reservoir 2610 instep 2712. It can therefore be seen that the refill fluid encounters thefluid filter 2614 prior to refilling the engine fluid reservoir 2610,and other operative components of the system 2600, which enhancesfiltration of the refill fluid and which may enhance operation of amachine, for example, operatively associated with the system 2600.

Referring now to FIG. 38, a check valve module 2800 is provided that mayinclude a plurality of check valve assemblies 2820, 2840, 2860 coupledor ganged together to form the module 2800. The individual assemblies2820, 2840, 2860 may be coupled together by a conventional device ormethod such as by welding the assemblies 2820, 2840, 2860 to each other,for example. It can be seen that the module embodiments described hereinprovide substantially compact and central locations for performance ofvarious fluid operations such as fluid refill, fluid evacuation, andfilter purge operations performed on a machine, for example. In variousembodiments, one or more of the check valve assemblies 2820, 2840, 2860may be structured to be part of the same fluid system, or any of thecheck valve assemblies 2820, 2840, 2860 may be structured for operationas part of an independently operating fluid system.

In various embodiments, with respect to the first check valve assembly2820, for example, a first check valve 2822 may be structured with aninlet 2822A in fluid communication with a common refill/evacuationlocation 2824 and an outlet 2822B in fluid communication with a portionof a fluid system 2826. In certain embodiments, the portion of a fluidsystem 2826 may be configured to include an operative association withat least a pre-filter portion of the fluid system. A second check valve2828 of the assembly 2820 includes an inlet 2828A in communication witha fluid reservoir 2830, for example, or another similar structure influidic association with the assembly 2820. The second check valve 2828further includes an outlet 2828B in fluid communication with the commonrefill/evacuation location 2824. An inlet/outlet port 2832 may bestructured for fluid communication with the common refill/evacuationlocation 2824. In various embodiments, the inlet/outlet port 2832 may beoperatively associated with a clustered service location (as describedhereinabove), for example. In certain embodiments, a quick disconnect(not shown) may be operatively associated with the commonrefill/evacuation location 2824 to permit ready connection anddisconnection of fluidic structures in operative association with thecommon refill/evacuation location 2824. In various embodiments, thecheck valves 2822, 2828 may comprise cartridge type check valves, forexample.

In various embodiments, the inlet 2822A of the first check valve 2822may be structured to respond to application of positive pressure(represented by arrow 2834) at the common refill/evacuation location2824, which response to the positive pressure 2834 includes actuatingthe first check valve 2822 and permitting fluid to flow therethrough. Asapplied herein with respect to pressure levels, the term “positive”means pressure which is at a level sufficient to move a fluid or fluidsin the direction of the positive pressure flow 2834 (e.g., fluid movingin a direction from the inlet/outlet port 2832 to the inlet 2822A of thefirst check valve 2822). During a refill operation, for example,application of positive pressure 2834 at the common refill/evacuationlocation 2824 permits fluid flowing from the inlet/outlet port 2832 toflow through the first check valve 2822 to the portion of a fluid system2826.

Conversely, the second check valve 2828 may be structured to respond toapplication of negative pressure (represented by arrow 2836) at thecommon refill/evacuation location 2824, which response to the negativepressure 2836 includes actuating the second check valve 2828 andpermitting fluid to flow therethrough. As applied herein with respect topressure levels, the term “negative” means pressure which is at a levelsufficient to move a fluid or fluids in the direction of the negativepressure flow 2836 (e.g., fluid moving in a direction from the outlet2828B of the second check valve 2828 to the inlet/outlet port 2832).During an evacuation operation, for example, application of negativepressure 2836 at the common refill/evacuation location 2824 permitsfluid to flow through the second check valve 2828 to the inlet/outletport 2832 of the assembly 2820. It can be appreciated that the presentsystems and methods permit alternative performance of positive pressurefluid operations or negative pressure fluid operations at the commonrefill/evacuation location 2824.

In other aspects of the check valve system 2800, with reference to thesecond check valve assembly 2840, a third check valve 2842 may bestructured with an inlet 2842A in fluid communication with a commonrefill/evacuation location 2844 and an outlet 2842B in fluidcommunication with a portion of a fluid system 2846. In certainembodiments, the portion of a fluid system 2846 may be configured toinclude an operative association with at least a pre-filter portion ofthe fluid system. A fourth check valve 2848 of the assembly 2840includes an inlet 2848A in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir2850, for example, or another similar structure fluidically associatedwith the assembly 2840. The fourth check valve 2848 further includes anoutlet 2848B in fluid communication with the common refill/evacuationlocation 2844. An inlet/outlet port 2852 may be structured for fluidcommunication with the common refill/evacuation location 2844. Invarious embodiments, the inlet/outlet port 2852 may be operativelyassociated with a clustered service location (as described hereinabove),for example. In certain embodiments, a quick disconnect (not shown) maybe operatively associated with the common refill/evacuation location2844 to permit ready connection or disconnection of fluidic structuresin operative association with/from the common refill/evacuation location2844. In various embodiments, the check valves 2842, 2848 may comprisecartridge type check valves, for example.

In various embodiments, the inlet 2842A of the third check valve 2842may be structured to respond to application of positive pressure(represented by arrow 2854) at the common refill/evacuation location2844, which response to the positive pressure 2854 includes actuatingthe third check valve 2842 and permitting fluid to flow therethrough. Asapplied herein with respect to pressure levels, the term “positive”means pressure which is at a level sufficient to move a fluid or fluidsin the direction of the positive pressure flow 2854 (e.g., fluid movingin a direction from the inlet/outlet port 2852 to the inlet 2842A of thethird check valve 2842). During a refill operation, for example,application of positive pressure 2854 at the common refill/evacuationlocation 2844 permits fluid flowing from the inlet/outlet port 2852 toflow through the third check valve 2842 to the portion of a fluid system2846.

Conversely, the fourth check valve 2848 may be structured to respond toapplication of negative pressure (represented by arrow 2856) at thecommon refill/evacuation location 2844, which response to the negativepressure 2856 includes actuating the fourth check valve 2848 andpermitting fluid to flow therethrough. As applied herein with respect topressure levels, the term “negative” means pressure which is at a levelsufficient to move a fluid or fluids in the direction of the negativepressure flow 2856 (e.g., fluid moving in a direction from the outlet2848B of the fourth check valve 2848 to the inlet/outlet port 2852).During an evacuation operation, for example, application of negativepressure 2856 at the common refill/evacuation location 2844 permitsfluid to flow through the fourth check valve 2848 to the inlet/outletport 2852 of the assembly 2840. It can be appreciated that the presentsystems and methods permit alternative performance of positive pressurefluid operations or negative pressure fluid operations at the commonrefill/evacuation location 2844.

With reference to the third check valve assembly 2860 of the system2800, a fifth check valve 2862 may have an inlet 2862A in fluidcommunication with a common refill/evacuation location 2864 and anoutlet 2862B in fluid communication with a portion of a fluid system2866. In certain embodiments, the portion of a fluid system 2866 may beconfigured to include an operative association with at least apre-filter portion of the fluid system. A sixth check valve 2868 of theassembly 2860 includes an inlet 2868A in fluid communication with afluid reservoir 2870, for example, or another similar structure includedwithin the fluid system. The sixth check valve 2868 further includes anoutlet 2868B in fluid communication with the common refill/evacuationlocation 2864. An inlet/outlet port 2872 may be structured for fluidcommunication with the common refill/evacuation location 2864. Invarious embodiments, the inlet/outlet port 2872 may be operativelyassociated with a clustered service location (as described hereinabove),for example. In certain embodiments, a quick disconnect (not shown) maybe operatively associated with the common refill/evacuation location2864 to permit ready connection and disconnection of fluidic structuresin operative association with the common refill/evacuation location2864. In various embodiments, the check valves 2862, 2868 may comprisecartridge type check valves, for example.

In various embodiments, the inlet 2862A of the fifth check valve 2862may be structured to respond to application of positive pressure(represented by arrow 2874) at the common refill/evacuation location2864, which response to the positive pressure 2874 includes actuatingthe fifth check valve 2862 and permitting fluid to flow therethrough. Asapplied herein with respect to pressure levels, the term “positive”means pressure which is at a level sufficient to move a fluid or fluidsin the direction of the positive pressure flow 2874 (e.g., fluid movingin a direction from the inlet/outlet port 2872 to the inlet 2862A of thefifth check valve 2862). During a refill operation, for example,application of positive pressure 2874 at the common refill/evacuationlocation 2864 permits fluid flowing from the inlet/outlet port 2872 toflow through the fifth check valve 2862 to the portion of a fluid system2866.

Conversely, the sixth check valve 2868 may be structured to respond toapplication of negative pressure (represented by arrow 2876) at thecommon refill/evacuation location 2864, which response to the negativepressure 2876 includes actuating the sixth check valve 2868 andpermitting fluid to flow therethrough. As applied herein with respect topressure levels, the term “negative” means pressure which is at a levelsufficient to move a fluid or fluids in the direction of the negativepressure flow 2876 (e.g., fluid moving in a direction from the outlet2868B of the sixth check valve 2868 to the inlet/outlet port 2872).During an evacuation operation, for example, application of negativepressure 2876 at the common refill/evacuation location 2864 permitsfluid to flow through the sixth check valve 2868 to the inlet/outletport 2872 of the assembly 2860. It can be appreciated that the presentsystems and methods permit alternative performance of positive pressurefluid operations or negative pressure fluid operations at the commonrefill/evacuation location 2864.

It can be seen that multiple check valve assembly configurations (e.g.,such as the module 2800 that includes the check valve assemblies 2820,2840, 2860) permit multiple fluid operations such as refill operations,evacuation operations, and/or filter purge operations, for example, tobe performed on multiple fluid reservoirs. It can be appreciated thatany number of check valve assemblies may be provided as a module withinthe scope of the present methods and systems. The illustration of threeseparate check valve assemblies 2820, 2840, 2860 in FIG. 38, forexample, is merely for purposes of convenience of disclosure. More orless check valve assemblies may be employed in operative associationwith fluid systems configured in accordance with the present invention.Each of the portions of a fluid system 2826, 2846, 2866 may include anyreasonable combination of valves, pipes, reservoirs and/or other fluidicstructures. In various embodiments, one or more of the fluid reservoirs2830, 2850, 2870 may contain a quantity of a fluid such as oil,transmission fluid, hydraulic fluid, or another type of fluid describedhereinabove and/or any other fluid suitable for use in accordance withthe present systems and methods.

In various embodiments, one or more adapter fittings such as fittings2882, 2884, 2886, 2888, 2890, 2892, for example, may promote operativestructure of the module 2800 with one or more of the portions of a fluidsystem 2826, 2846, 2866; one or more of the fluid reservoirs 2830, 2850,2870; and/or other suitable fluidic structures in operative associationwith the check valve module 2800.

Referring now to FIG. 39, an electronic valve module 2900 structured andoperative substantially similarly to the check valve module of FIG. 38(see previous discussion) is provided. In the embodiments of FIG. 39,inserted in place of the check valves 2822, 2828, 2842, 2848, 2862,2868, respectively, are a plurality of electronic valves 2822′, 2828′,2842′, 2848′, 2862′, 2868′. In analogous accordance with the embodimentsof FIG. 38, the electronic valve assemblies 2820′, 2840′, 2860′ of FIG.39 may be coupled or ganged together to form the electronic module 2900.The individual assemblies 2820′, 2840′, 2860′ may be coupled together bya conventional device or method such as by welding the assemblies 2820′,2840′, 2860′ to each other, for example. It can be seen that the moduleembodiments described herein provide substantially compact and centrallocations for performance of various fluid operations such as fluidrefill, fluid evacuation, and filter purge operations performed on amachine, for example.

In various embodiments, a control module 3002 may be operativelyassociated with one or more of the electronic valves 2822′, 2828′,2842′, 2848′, 2862′, 2868′ to actuate the valves 2822′, 2828′, 2842′,2848′, 2862′, 2868′ upon sensing a predetermined pressure level, forexample, within one or more of the assemblies 2820′, 2840′, 2860′ of theelectronic module 2900. One or more sensors such as pressure sensors3004, 3006, 3008, 3010, 3012, 3014, for example, may be operativelyassociated with the control module 3002 and/or the electronic valves2822′, 2828′, 2842′, 2848′, 2862′, 2868′, respectively, to providepressure level information, for example, to the control module 3002.

The sensor 3004 associated with the first electronic valve 2822′ of thefirst electronic valve assembly 2820′ of the module 2900, for example,may be configured to communicate a signal indicative of application ofpositive pressure 2834 at the common refill/evacuation location 2824,which response to the positive pressure 2834 includes actuating thefirst electronic valve 2822′ to permit fluid flow therethrough. Asapplied herein with respect to pressure levels, the term “positive”means pressure which is at a level sufficient to move a fluid or fluidsin the direction of the positive pressure flow 2834 (e.g., fluid movingin a direction from the inlet/outlet port 2832 to an inlet 2822A′ of thefirst electronic valve 2822′). During a refill operation, for example,application of positive pressure 2834 at the common refill/evacuationlocation 2824, and subsequent actuation of the first electronic valve2822′ by the control module 3002, for example, together permit fluid toflow from the inlet/outlet port 2832, through the first electronic valve2822′ to the portion of the fluid system 2826.

In addition, the sensor 3006 associated with the second electronic valve2828′, for example, may be configured to communicate a signal indicativeof application of negative pressure 2836 at the common refill/evacuationlocation 2824, which response to the negative pressure 2836 includesactuating the second electronic valve 2828′ and permitting fluid to flowtherethrough. As applied herein with respect to pressure levels, theterm “negative” means pressure which is at a level sufficient to move afluid or fluids in the direction of the negative pressure flow 2836(e.g., fluid moving in a direction from an outlet 2828B′ of the secondelectronic valve 2828′ to the inlet/outlet port 2832). During anevacuation operation, for example, application of negative pressure 2836at the common refill/evacuation location 2824, and subsequent actuationof the second electronic valve 2828′, permit fluid to flow through thesecond electronic valve 2828′ to the inlet/outlet port 2832 of theassembly 2820′. It can be appreciated that the present systems andmethods permit alternative positive pressure fluid operations ornegative pressure fluid operations to be performed at the commonrefill/evacuation location 2824.

It can be seen that multiple electronic valve assembly configurations(e.g., such as the module 2900 that includes the electronic valveassemblies 2820′, 2840′, 2860′) permit multiple fluid operations such asrefill operations, evacuation operations, and/or filter purgeoperations, for example, to be performed on multiple fluid reservoirs.It can be appreciated that any number of electronic valve assemblies maybe provided in a module within the scope of the present methods andsystems. The illustration of three separate electronic valve assemblies2820′, 2840′, 2860′ in FIG. 39, for example, is merely for purposes ofconvenience of disclosure. More or less electronic valve assemblies maybe employed in operative association with fluid systems configured inaccordance with the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 40, alternative embodiments of a module 3100 areprovided in analogous structural and operative accordance with theembodiments of FIGS. 38 and 39 (see above). As shown, valves 2822″ and2828″ may be threadedly received into a first assembly 2820″ of themodule 3100; valves 2842″ and 2848″ may be threadedly received into asecond assembly 2840″ of the module 3100; and/or valves 2862″ and 2868″may be threadedly received into a third assembly 2860″ of the module. Invarious embodiments, the valves 2822″, 2828″, 2842″, 2848″, 2862″, 2868″may be, where operatively appropriate for the module 3100, check valves,electronic valves, or a combination of both check valves and electronicvalves.

In various embodiments, a control module 3202 may be operativelyassociated with the module 3100. As shown in FIG. 40 by way ofillustration, the control module 3002 may be operatively associated withone or more of the valves 2822″, 2828″, 2842″, 2848″, 2862″, 2868″(which comprise electronic valves in this example) to actuate the valves2822″, 2828″, 2842″, 2848″, 2862″, 2868″ upon sensing a predeterminedpressure level, for example, within one or more of the assemblies 2820″,2840″, 2860″ of the module 3100. In accordance with prior discussionhereinabove, one or more sensors such as pressure sensors 3204, 3206,3208, 3210, 3212, 3214, for example, may be operatively associated withthe control module 3202 and/or the electronic valves 2822″, 2828″,2842″, 2848″, 2862″, 2868″, respectively, to provide pressure levelinformation, for example, to the control module 3002.

It can be seen that the various embodiments of valve assemblies andvalve systems described herein purge pre-filter portions, filterportions and/or post-filter portions of the various fluid systemsdescribed herein. It can be appreciated that any one or more of thefluid operation method steps described herein, alone or in combination,may be performed in accordance with the present systems and methods. Thesteps may be employed to perform a variety of fluid operationsincluding, for example and without limitation, refill, evacuation,and/or filter purge operations.

Where applicable and operational in the context of various embodimentsof valve assemblies and systems described herein, one or more valves maybe in a normally closed or normally open position prior to, during, orafter performance of a particular fluid operation. In addition, one ormore types of valves may be employed in certain embodiments of thepresent systems and methods (e.g., all check valves may be used, allelectronic valves may be used, or some reasonable combination of bothcheck valves and electronic valves may be employed).

It can be appreciated that, where applicable and operational in thecontext of various embodiments of valve assemblies and systems describedherein, performing a refill fluid operation to a pre-filter portion of afluid system improves filtration of the refill fluid. In variousembodiments, the refill fluid encounters at least one filter, forexample, before the refill fluid encounters various other operativecomponents of the fluid system.

Referring again to FIGS. 34, 35, 39 and 40 (and in analogous structural,functional and operational accordance with prior discussion hereinabovewith reference to FIG. 20, in particular), one or more of the controlmodules 2316, 2502, 3002, 3202 may include various components forcontrolling and monitoring a fluid system, as well as for monitoring,collecting and analyzing data associated with the various fluid systemand method embodiments described herein. For example, the varioussensors described in FIGS. 34, 35, 39 and 40 can include, for exampleand without limitation, sensors to detect temperature, pressure,voltage, current, contaminants, cycle time, flow sensors (presence orabsence of flow), automatic “off” of one or more pumps in a fluidsystem, and/or other sensors suitable for detecting various conditionsexperienced by a machine and its components. The control modules 2316,2502, 3002, 3202 may also include one or more data storage media forstoring, retrieving and/or reporting data communicated to the controlmodules 2316, 2502, 3002, 3202. Data stored within these data storagemedia may include a variety of data collected from the condition of afluid system including, for example and without limitation, oilcondition, particle count of contaminants, cycle time data for time toevacuate or time to refill a given reservoir, time stamp data on areservoir-by-reservoir basis, time stamp data on a system-by-systembasis, fluid receptacle or other fluid storage/retention medium. Inaddition, the control modules 2316, 2502, 3002, 3202 may includecontrols that actuate (e.g., open or close) their respectivelyassociated electronic valves in accordance with pressure levels, forexample, sensed at various inlets or outlets of the electronic valves.

Data can be communicated to the control modules 2316, 2502, 3002, 3202to and/or from a fluid system through a variety of methods and systems.In various embodiments disclosed herein, data may be communicated, forexample, by a wireline connection, communicated by satellitecommunications, cellular communications, infrared and/or communicated inaccordance with a protocol such as IEEE 802.11, for example, or otherwireless or radio frequency communication protocol among other similartypes of communication methods and systems. One or more data devices canbe employed in operative association with the control modules 2316,2502, 3002, 3202 for the purpose of receiving, processing, inputtingand/or storing data and/or for cooperating with the control modules2316, 2502, 3002, 3202 to control, monitor or otherwise manipulate oneor more components included within a fluid system. Examples of datadevices include, for example and without limitation, personal computers,laptops, and personal digital assistants (PDA's), and other data devicessuitable for executing instructions on one or more computer-readablemedia.

In certain embodiments, the various sensors described in FIGS. 34, 35,39 and 40 can be configured to detect one or more of the followingconditions within a fluid system: engine oil pressure, oil temperaturein the engine, amount of current drawn by a pre-lubrication circuit,presence of contaminants (such as oil contaminants, for example) in theengine, amount of time that has elapsed for performance of one or morecycles of various engine operations (i.e., cycle time) such as fluidpurge operations, pre-lubrication operations, fluid evacuationoperations, fluid refill operations, fluid flow rates, and others. Oneexample of a sensor that may be used in accordance with variousembodiments of the present systems and methods is a contamination sensormarketed under the “LUBRIGARD” trade designation (Lubrigard Limited,United Kingdom, North America, Europe). A contamination sensor canprovide information regarding oxidation products, water, glycol,metallic wear particles, and/or other contaminants that may be presentin the engine oil, hydraulic oil, gearbox oil, transmission oil,compressor oil and/or other fluids used in various machines. In variousaspects of the present methods and systems, the contamination sensor maybe employed during one or more fluid processes, for example, such as afluid evacuation operation or a fluid refill operation.

It can be appreciated that the control modules 2316, 2502, 3002, 3202may receive and store data associated with activation and deactivationof various components of a fluid system and operation of a machine, suchas an engine, for example, included within the fluid system. Cycle time,for example, can be calculated from analysis of collected data toprovide an indication of elapsed time for completing evacuation and/orrefill operations. For a given oil temperature or temperature range(e.g., as can be detected and communicated by a temperature sensor), anaverage cycle time, for example, can be calculated through analysis oftwo or more collected cycle times. In various aspects, the presentmethods and systems can determine whether the most recently elapsedcycle time deviates from a nominal average cycle time, or range of cycletimes, for a given oil temperature or temperature range. In addition,factors may be known such as the type and viscosity of fluids (e.g.,such as oil) used in connection with operation of the machine. Anunacceptable deviation from a nominal cycle time, or range of times, canresult in recording a fault in data storage media of the control modules2316, 2502, 3002, 3202. It can be appreciated that many other types offault conditions may be detected, analyzed and recorded in connectionwith practice of the present systems and methods.

Collected and analyzed data, as well as recorded fault events, can bestored in association with the control modules 2316, 2502, 3002, 3202,internal data modules associated with the control modules 2316, 2502,3002, 3202, and/or at a remote location. In various embodiments, thecontrol modules 2316, 2502, 3002, 3202 may be configured for operationas integral components of a machine or as remote components notinstalled locally on the machine. The collected and analyzed informationcan be stored in one or more data storage media of the control modules2316, 2502, 3002, 3202. The information can also be stored externallywith respect to a machine and its components. Data may be transmittedwirelessly by a radio frequency communication or by a wirelineconnection from the control modules 2316, 2502, 3002, 3202 to one ormore data devices such as a personal digital assistant, for example,configured and employed as a computer system for receiving andprocessing data collected from the control modules 2316, 2502, 3002,3202 during fluid evacuation and fluid refill processes.

In one illustrative example, information related to an oil filter purgeoperation, such as the date and time of the filter purge or the cycletime of the filter purge, for example, and/or other machine conditionscan be recorded and processed in connection with operation of thecontrol modules 2316, 2502, 3002, 3202. In addition, the condition(e.g., open or closed) of various valve inlets and outlets, and thedate/time at which they are actuated, may be detected, recorded and/oranalyzed for various fluid operations. In accordance with the systemsand methods disclosed herein, data may be collected and recorded on areservoir-by-reservoir basis and/or on a fluid system-by-fluid systembasis as service is performed on a machine, for example.

Referring now to FIGS. 41A through 41C, various embodiments of aconnection/disconnection detection system 4000 are provided inaccordance with the present invention. As shown, a first couplingportion 4002 is fluidically connected to a portion of a first fluidsystem 4003 (shown partially for convenience of illustration), and asecond coupling portion 4004 is fluidically connected to a portion of asecond fluid system 4005 (shown partially for convenience ofillustration). In various embodiments, the first and second fluidsystems may be structured as independently operated fluid systems or maybe structured for operation as part of a single fluid system. The firstcoupling portion 4002 may include one or more electrical contacts 4006,4008 and the second coupling portion 4004 may include at least oneelectrical contact 4010.

As shown in FIG. 41B, upon connection of the first coupling portion 4002to the second coupling portion 4004, an operative association isestablished among the electrical contacts 4006, 4008, 4010. In theexample shown, connection of the coupling portions 4002, 4004 isestablished by inserting the second coupling portion 4004 into the firstcoupling portion 4002 and rotating the second coupling portion 4004 inthe direction of the arrow 4011. It can be appreciated, however, thatany suitable method or device for connecting the coupling portions 4002,4004 may be employed within the scope of the present invention. Incertain embodiments, the electrical contacts 4006, 4008, 4010 may bereplaced with any suitable device or method for establishing anelectrical operative association using the coupling portions 4002, 4004.Examples of other devices include, without limitation, sensors, contactswitches, magnetic switches, Hall effect sensors, and/or any otheroperationally and structurally suitable devices.

In various embodiments, the electrical contacts 4006, 4008 areoperatively associated with a signal processor 4012. The signalprocessor 4012 may include a sensor/receiver 4014 for receiving anelectrical signal from the contacts 4006, 4008 once the contact 4010 ofthe first coupling portion 4002 completes an electrical circuit with thecontacts 4006, 4008 of the second coupling portion 4004 upon connectionof the coupling portions 4002, 4004. A transmitter 4016 may be includedwithin the signal processor 4012 for transmitting the electrical signalrepresentative of the connection and/or data representative of theelectrical signal to a control module 4018. The control module 4018 maybe configured to function in accordance with the various embodiments ofcontrol modules described previously herein. For example, the controlmodule 4018 may record in a suitable storage medium a date and/or a timewhen connection or disconnection of the coupling portions 4002, 4004 hasoccurred.

Referring now to FIG. 41C, in another mode of operation of theconnection/ disconnection detection system 4000, the second couplingportion 4004 may be moved in the direction of the arrow 4026 to initiatedisconnection of the second coupling portion 4004 from the firstcoupling portion 4002. As shown, the disconnection of the couplingportions 4002, 4004 results in disassociation of the electrical contact4010 from the electrical contacts 4006, 4008. In various embodiments,the sensor/receiver 4014 of the signal processor 4012 may be configuredto detect this disassociation of the electrical contacts 4006, 4008,4010. An electrical signal representative of the disconnection and/or adata signal representative of the disconnection of the coupling portions4002, 4004 may be transmitted through the transmitter 4016 for furtherprocessing by the control module 4018. For example, the control module4018 may record in a suitable storage medium a date and/or a time whenthe disconnection of the coupling portions 4002, 4004 occurred.

The signal processor 4012 further may include a power source 4020 forsupplying power to operate the various components of the signalprocessor 4012. In certain aspects, the power source 4020 may receiveelectrical energy, for example, from a battery 4022 of a machine 4024for which various fluid operations are performed.

Referring now to FIG. 41D, embodiments of a power supply system 4100provided in accordance with the present invention are shown. Forconvenience of disclosure, embodiments of the present inventionillustrated in FIG. 32 (previously discussed) are shown in operativeassociation with the power supply system 4100. It can be appreciatedthat the power supply system 4100 may be applied, where structurally andfunctionally appropriate, to various embodiments of fluid systems,assemblies and other fluidic components and fluid operations describedherein.

The power supply system 4100 may include a power receptacle 4102structured to receive a power cord, for example, or other electricallyoperative connection to one or more of the fluid components 2120. Invarious embodiments, the power receptacle 4102 is positioned in alocation adjacent to or in the vicinity of a fluidic structure, such asthe inlet/outlet port 2112, for example. The power receptacle 4102 maybe electrically associated with a machine 4104 for which one or morefluid service operations are performed. In certain embodiments, thepower receptacle 4102 may be electrically operatively associated with abattery 4106, for example, or other power source of the machine 4104. Aconverter 4108 may be optionally included within the power supply system4100 to convert a DC power source of the machine 4104, for example, toan AC power source at the power receptacle 4102, for example, which isaccessible for electrical connection of the fluid component 2120 to thepower receptacle 4102. In certain embodiments the battery 4106 of themachine 4104 may be replaced or supplemented with an off-board powersource, for example, or another power source external to the operationof the machine 4104. Furthermore, it can be appreciated that the fluidcomponents 2120, of either the on-board or off-board variety, may havetheir own independent power sources in lieu of or in addition toexternal power sources such as the battery 4106 of the machine 4104, forexample.

The benefits of the present systems and methods will be readily apparentto those skilled in the art. Systems and methods for selectively and/orsequentially performing fluid evacuation and/or refill processes can beuseful in performing service and maintenance operations on machines.Such capabilities can ultimately improve the performance and useful lifeof machines for which such orchestrated fluid evacuation and/or fluidrefill procedures are performed. In addition, the use of controls,monitoring, and data storage and analysis in connection with performingmultiple fluid evacuation and/or refill processes can further enhancethe overall effectiveness of service and maintenance operationsperformed on a variety of machines.

Various aspects of the invention reflect that the inventor has developedenhanced fluid filtration methods, system, and techniques that canleverage the function of a supplemental pump in conjunction with theexisting components of a machine, such as the main pump of a machinewith an engine, for example. In various embodiments, a supplementalfilter apparatus may be operatively associated with the supplementalpump and/or a main pump of the machine to provide filtration of fluidflowing through the machine. The filtered fluid can then be returned toone or more fluid reservoirs of the machine through an appropriate fluidcommunication path. In addition, in certain embodiments a control modulemay be employed in operative association with the supplemental pump, oneor more components of the machine, and/or a valve system or valvearrangement. The control module may be programmed to activate ordeactivate the supplemental pump, for example, in association withdetecting the existence of one or more kinds of filter triggeringconditions. Such filter triggering conditions may be associated with acondition of the fluid (e.g., viscosity or the presence ofcontaminants), an operational state of one or more components themachine (e.g., engine speed or main pump pressure), occurrence of apredetermined event (e.g., a fixed time), and/or a variety of otherpotential triggering conditions or events. One or more sensors may beoperatively associated with the control module to detect and to providesignals indicative of machine conditions or fluid conditions inconnection with operation of the machine or the supplemental pump, forexample. In various embodiments, operation of the supplemental pump mayprovide the function or effect of a “kidney loop” arrangement, as thatterm is understood by those skilled in the art of performing fluidprocesses or other maintenance on machines, including heavy machinery.In certain embodiments, a main pump of machine may operate independentlyand/or in conjunction with the supplemental pump to perform variouskidney loop or other filtering operations as described in more detailherein.

The inventor has realized that machines that require filtered fluidsoften cannot effectively filter smaller particle sizes due to the factthat fine filtration media require either substantially high pressureacross the filter, which can cause excessive parasitic power losses.Such fine filter media often require a substantial amount ofinstallation space within the machine, which can cause unacceptably highfilter manufacturing and disposal costs, and adds weight and size to themachine design. In addition, filter media may not allow through-flowsufficient to provide the fluid pressure needed to adequately lubricatethe machine components. Therefore, equipment designers have usuallycompromised by using a coarse filter media that delivers adequate flowbut only removes relatively larger particles from fluid. Also, certainequipment manufacturers have designed machines that direct a smallamount of fluid flow through a fine filter media with the intent thatmost fluid in the machine will eventually pass through the fine filter.However, fine particles are constantly being created or introduced intothe fluid system, and the particles are typically present in greaterconcentrations than desired. In certain situations, to maximize thepressure drop across the fine filter media, equipment designers haveconnected the outlet of the filter media to a low pressure zone (e.g.,an engine sump). But since this fluid flow is not being supplied to thesystem needing lubrication, the main pump must be oversized to producethe excess flow. Various embodiments of the present invention can bestructured to generate such excess flow only as needed to maintain adesired level of particle count, for example, or when the parasiticpower required can be produced more efficiently. For example, by sendingfluid flow from a prelubrication or refill process through a fine filtermedia, parasitic power required to filter the fluid can be reduced. Incertain embodiments, fluid can be passed through the fine filter mediaduring periods when the system would otherwise be decelerated by brakingactivity, for example, and embodiments of the invention can bestructured to minimize the parasitic power required to filter thisfluid. In addition, this additional load could be usefully applied toenhance the braking power of the machine.

FIG. 42 schematically illustrates an example arrangement of a machine4202 operatively associated with a fluid filtration apparatus includinga supplemental pump 4204 and a supplemental filter apparatus 4206 inaccordance with various embodiments of the invention. As shown, themachine 4202 may include an engine 4208 comprising one or more fluidreservoirs 4210 (e.g., hydraulic fluid reservoir 4210A, transmissionfluid reservoir 4210B, oil sump 4210C, or various other fluid reservoirs4210D). The engine 4208 may also include a main pump 4212 that performsprimary fluid processing for the engine 4208, such as pumping oil, air,or other fluids through the engine 4208, for example. One or morefilters 4214 may be included in the engine, as well as potentially avariety of other engine components 4216. In various embodiments, thesupplemental filter apparatus 4206 and/or the filters 4214 may includeone or more of an electrical filter, a magnetic filter, a centrifugalfilter, a paper-based filter, or a synthetic filter. In certainembodiments, the supplemental pump 4204 may be positioned onboard withrespect to the machine 4202 and/or the engine 4208.

In various embodiments, the machine 4202 may be structured with one ormore fluid components 4218. The fluid component 4218 may include one ormore of the following fluidic structures, for example and withoutlimitation: a pump that is off-board with respect to the machine 4202; apump that is on-board with respect to the machine 4202; a flow controlmeans such as a hand-held device, for example; a bracket or evacuationbracket; and/or, a quick-disconnect structure. The fluid component 4218may also be one or more other types of components, devices, or systemssuitable for supplying positive and/or negative fluid pressure to one ormore fluid inlet ports or fluid outlet ports associated with the fluidcomponent 4218. For example, the fluid component 4218 may be employed toperform one or more types of fluid evacuation processes and/or fluidrefill processes (e.g., oil changes or other machine 4202 maintenanceoperations) in association with different fluid reservoirs 4210, forexample, of the machine 4202. It can be appreciated that the fluidcomponent 4218 may be positioned in one or more other places within thefluid system or valve system of the machine 4202.

In various embodiments, a control module 4222 may be operativelyassociated with the machine 4202 to collect, process, and/or communicatedata indicative of operational states, triggering conditions, machine4202 conditions, component functions, events, or other like data. Forexample, the control module 4222 may be programmed to activate ordeactivate the supplemental pump 4204; to receive, transmit, and/orprocess data signals in communication with one or more components of themachine 4202; and/or, to process or analyze data communicated from oneor more sensors 4224A-4224D that can be operatively associated withvarious parts of the machine 4202. For example, the sensor 4224A may beconfigured to detect contaminants or other aspects of fluid compositionassociated with fluid flow passing through the supplemental filterapparatus 4206. The control module 4222 may include one or moreprocessors or computer systems programmed with software, firmware, orother computer-executable instructions to perform the various functionsof the control module 4222. The control module 4222 may be operativelyassociated with one or more data transmission devices 4232 which mayreceive and/or store data received or processed by the control module4222. In certain embodiments, the control module 4222 may communicatesignals to one or more indicators 4242 which reflect the activity orfunction of different aspects of the control module 4222. For example,one such indicator 4242 may include a warning light, or an alertgraphical display positioned on the console of a vehicle in which themachine 4202 is installed. In certain embodiments, the control module4222 may activate or deactivate a valve system or otherwise operate avalve or valve apparatus in connection with a filter triggeringcondition, for example.

Referring again to FIG. 42, in the example shown, the machine 4202includes a fluid filtration apparatus comprising the supplemental pump4204 and the supplemental filter apparatus 4206. The supplemental pump4204 may be connected for fluid communication with the main pump 4212 ofthe engine 4208. For example, FIG. 42A illustrates an arrangement inwhich the supplemental pump 4204 is operatively connected forcommunicating fluid with the main pump 4212. In certain embodiments, thesupplemental pump 4204 may be a pre-lubrication pump, for example, or anexisting pump such as a component of a power steering system or a powerbraking system operatively associated with the machine 4202. Thesupplemental pump 4204 may be structured for fluid communication with atleast one component of the engine 4208, such as one or more of the fluidreservoirs 4210. The supplemental filter apparatus 4206 may bepositioned in fluidic series with the supplemental pump 4204 andstructured with an inlet for receiving fluid flow from the supplementalpump 4204. The supplemental filter apparatus 4206 may be structured withan outlet to direct the fluid flow to one or more of the fluidreservoirs 4210, or other components, of the engine 4208. From theoutlet or discharge side of the supplemental filter apparatus 4206,fluid may be directed to flow to a primary oil filter 4214 of the engine4208, for example. In various embodiments, the supplemental filterapparatus 4206 may include at least one fine filtration medium. Incertain embodiments, one of the filters 4214 of the engine 4208 may bepositioned between the outlet of the supplemental filter apparatus 4206and one or more of the fluid reservoirs 4210 of the engine 4208.

In various embodiments, the control module 4222 may be programmed toperform one or more functions upon detecting the existence of variousfilter triggering conditions or other events. Likewise, the controlmodule 4222 may be programmed to perform one or more functions when afilter triggering condition is no longer detected, is out of apredefined parameter range (e.g., 10% above or 10% below a predefinedengine speed), or otherwise no longer exists as a triggering condition.For example, the control module 4222 may be programmed to activate ordeactivate the supplemental pump 4204 in association with detecting theexistence of a filter triggering condition. Examples of potential filtertriggering conditions may include a combination of one or more of thefollowing: threshold fluid temperature, threshold fluid pressure,threshold engine speed, threshold fluid contaminant level, filtercondition, threshold time duration of operation, an injection timingvariable, a fuel consumption value, a predetermined day or time, machinestate of operation. For example, supplemental filtration can beactivated as a function of oil condition, engine 4208 hours, mileage,fuel consumption, and/or engine 4208 component speed (e.g., as measuredin revolutions per minute (RPM)). In certain embodiments, engine 4208hours may mean total time of operation, such as operation time betweentwo or more defined points in time, or time between fluid operationssuch as oil changes performed on the engine 4208.

In another example, fluid condition monitoring may be performed todetect a filter triggering condition, such as particle count, particleaccumulation, oxidation level, and/or fluid dilution level. In variousembodiments, a contaminant sensor may be configured to detect sootlevels, for example, or the presence of other contaminants in a fluidflowing through the machine 4202. For example, a filter triggeringcondition may be employed that corresponds with a maximum soot levelthat is acceptable for desired or optimum engine 4208 operation, whichmay be specified by an original equipment manufacturer or by otherengineering specifications. The control module 4222 may be programmed toactivate the supplemental filter apparatus 4206 upon reaching thepredetermined soot level for the specifications of a given engine 4208.In another example, the supplemental filter apparatus 4206 may functionto remove a dilutant such as water, for example, from oil or fuelemployed by the machine 4202.

In various embodiments, a filter triggering condition may involve adeviation from a predetermined range for an engine 4208 idle speed, aturbo boost pressure, a fuel consumption rate, a waste gate function, oran injection rate, for example. In addition, calculated values such afuel-to-air ratio can be considered at least part of a filter triggeringcondition. For example, clogging an air filter in the engine 4208 cancause a change in the fuel-to-air ratio, in addition to potentiallycausing the fuel to increase its soot level. Other factors related tocombustion chemistry, or other phenomena that impact quality ofcombustion, may also form the basis for defining a filter triggeringcondition.

The inventor has recognized that arrangements such as the oneillustrated in FIG. 42 can provide more than a partial bypass for themachine 4202. In one embodiment, the fluid filtration apparatus may beemployed to draw fluid flow from a reservoir or oil sump of the engine4208, for example, and divert more than 15 percent of the oil flowthrough the engine 4208 through a two to five micron supplemental filterapparatus 4206 using the main pump 4212 of the engine 4208. In variousembodiments, the filter apparatus provides full flow from the engine4208 through the supplemental filter apparatus 4206 by using thesupplemental pump 4204.

FIG. 43 schematically illustrates another example of a fluid filtrationapparatus structured for operation in a machine 4302 in accordance withvarious embodiments of the invention. The fluid filtration apparatusincludes a supplemental pump 4304 structured for fluid communicationwith a supplemental filter apparatus 4306 and at least one component ofan engine 4308. The engine 4308 may include multiple fluid reservoirs4310 having different types of fluids (e.g., hydraulic fluid reservoir4310A, transmission fluid reservoir 4310B, oil sump 4310C, or variousother fluid reservoirs). The engine 4308 may also include a main pump4312 that performs primary fluid processing for the engine 4308, such aspumping oil, air, or other fluids through the engine 4308, for example.One or more filters 4314 may be included in the engine 4308, as well aspotentially a variety of other engine components 4316. In variousembodiments, the supplemental filter apparatus 4306 and/or the filters4314 may include one or more of an electrical filter, a magnetic filter,a centrifugal filter, a paper-based filter, or a synthetic filter. Incertain embodiments, the supplemental pump 4304 may be positionedonboard with respect to the machine 4302 and/or the engine 4308.

As shown, the inlet of the supplemental filter apparatus 4306 may beconnected to the outlet of the supplemental pump 4304. A valve apparatus4318 may be provided with an inlet connected at a common junctionbetween an outlet of the supplemental pump 4304 and an inlet of thesupplemental filter apparatus 4306. The outlet of the valve apparatus4318 may also be connected at a common junction of an outlet of thesupplemental filter apparatus 4306 and one or more components of theengine 4208, such as one or more of the fluid reservoirs 4310A-4310D. Invarious embodiments, the valve apparatus 4318 may include a normallyopen valve, for example.

In various embodiments, a control module 4322 may be programmed toactuate at least one of the normally open valve in the valve apparatus4318 or to activate the supplemental pump 4304 in association withdetecting a filter triggering condition (including filter triggeringconditions described in other places herein). Likewise, the controlmodule 4322 may be programmed to activate or deactivate the supplementalpump 4304 as appropriate in accordance with various filter triggeringconditions. For example, the control module 4322 may be programmed toactivate at least one of the normally open valve in the valve apparatus4318 or to activate the supplemental pump 4304 at a predetermined timeduring operation of the machine 4302. In certain embodiments, thecontrol module 4322 may be programmed to activate or deactivate thesupplemental pump 4304; to receive, transmit, and/or process datasignals in communication with one or more components of the machine4302; and/or, to process or analyze data communicated from one or moresensors 4324A-4324E as operatively associated with various parts of themachine 4302. For example, the sensor 4324A may be configured to detectcontaminants or other aspects of fluid composition associated with fluidflow passing through the supplemental filter apparatus 4306.

The control module 4322 may include one or more processors or computersystems programmed with software, firmware, or other computer-executableinstructions to perform the various functions of the control module4322. The control module 4322 may be operatively associated with one ormore data transmission devices 4332 which can store and/or process datareceived or processed by the control module 4322. In certainembodiments, the control module 4322 may communicate signals to one ormore indicators 4342 which reflect the activity or function of differentaspects of the control module 4322. For example, one such indicator 4342may include a warning light, or an alert graphical display positioned onthe console of a vehicle in which the machine 4302 is installed. Incertain embodiments, the control module 4322 may activate or deactivatea filter system or otherwise operate a valve or valve apparatus inconnection with a filter triggering condition. For example, the controlmodule 4322 may be programmed to actuate the normally open valve of thevalve apparatus 4318 to employ or to bypass the supplemental filterapparatus 4306 under appropriate circumstances or in association with adetected filter triggering condition.

It can be seen that the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 43 can beembodied as a filtration system (as supplied in part by the supplementalfilter apparatus 4306) in parallel with a prelubrication system (assupplied in part by the supplemental pump 4304). The normally open valveof the valve apparatus 4318 may represent a usual primary flow of fluidthrough the supplemental pump 4304 back to the engine 4308. In oneoperating state, the normally open valve of the valve apparatus 4318 canbe closed to direct a primary fluid flow through the supplemental filterapparatus 4306. In another operating state, the normally open valve ofthe valve apparatus 4318 can be opened to direct the primary fluid flowaway from the supplemental filter apparatus 4306 and back to the engine4308. It can be seen that the filtration system of FIG. 43 can be usefulin the event that a fine filter associated with the supplemental filterapparatus 4306 becomes too restrictive, which might result from aclogged filter, for example. In one example, a filter triggeringcondition may result in opening the normally open valve of the valveapparatus 4318 when an oil temperature is below a threshold temperatureand when a flow rate through the supplemental filter apparatus 4306 isbelow a threshold rate. In another example, the filter triggeringcondition which results in actuating the valve apparatus 4318 may detecta threshold fluid pressure at various points within the machine 4302. Inanother example, supplemental filtration by the supplemental filterapparatus 4306 may be engaged based on condition monitoring of the fluidto regulate when and how long the supplemental pump 4304 is activated.

In certain embodiments, a filter triggering condition can be logged bythe control module 4322 as a fault condition, such as when fluidpressure is too high at the supplemental filter apparatus 4306 perhapsindicating that the filter medium needs to be cleaned or changed. Inaddition, a filter triggering condition may be accompanied by activatingor deactivating an indicator 4342 in connection with the filtertriggering condition. For example, a high fluid pressure filtertriggering condition may cause an indicator 4342 in the operator area ofthe machine 4308 to activate, signaling to the operator that the filtermedium of the supplemental filter apparatus 4306 needs to be changed.

The inventor has recognized that there are advantages in determiningwhether to use the supplemental pump 4304 to direct fluid flow through afilter 4314 of the engine 4308 or directly to an appropriate fluidreservoir 4310. For example, fluid that has passed through thesupplemental filter apparatus 4306 may be sufficiently clean so as notto require further filtering through a filter 4314 of the engine 4308.In another example, directing fluid flow with the supplemental pump 4304from the supplemental filter apparatus 4306 into a filter 4314, oilrifle, and bearings of the engine 4308 can boost oil pressure. Such aboost in oil pressure may be useful at times when the engine 4308 isidling, for example, or during other states of machine 4302 operationwhen a boost in oil pressure or other fluid pressure is required. It canbe seen that this arrangement can boost engine oil pressure whilelowering the power required by the engine 4308. In other words, one ofthe problems identified by the inventor is that typically the oil pumpon the engine 4308 has to be oversized in order to deliver sufficientlubrication during engine 4308 idle. Accordingly, the oil pump is oftenoversized to deliver appropriate pressure at engine 4308 idle speed,even though such an oil pump is larger than it has to be to deliverpressure at comparatively higher engine 4308 speeds achieved duringmachine 4302 operation. In various embodiments, use of the filtrationsystem including the supplemental pump 4304 can serve as a way todownsize the flow range of the engine pump 4312.

In various embodiments, the control module 4322 may be programmed toactivate the supplemental pump 4304 and direct fluid flow back to the tothe filter 4214 to allow for using a smaller engine primary oil pumpand/or reduce the duty cycle needed from certain engine 4308 components.This arrangement has the potential to provide supplemental fluid flow atlow engine speeds 4308 in a way that can allow engine 4308 manufacturersto reduce the flow rate and thus reduce parasitic loading on the mainpump 4312. Likewise, the control module 4322 may be programmed to decidewhen to deactivate the supplemental pump 4304. For example, deactivatingthe supplemental pump 4304 may be performed in response to analyzing acombination of one or more factors such as engine 4308 speed (e.g.,within a tolerance range at idle speed, full speed, or other operationalspeeds), engine oil rifle pressure, or fluid temperature. For example,an oil regulator may be disabled if the oil is too thick (i.e.,viscosity), and the engine 4308 may then run on the high pressuresupplied by the supplemental pump 4304 to raise the rifle pressure.

In various embodiments, the machine 4302 may be structured with one ormore fluid components 4320. The fluid component 4320 may include one ormore of the following fluidic structures, for example and withoutlimitation: a pump that is off-board with respect to the machine 4302; apump that is on-board with respect to the machine 4302; a flow controlmeans such as a hand-held device, for example; a bracket or evacuationbracket; and/or, a quick-disconnect structure. The fluid component 4320may also be one or more other types of components, devices, or systemssuitable for supplying positive and/or negative fluid pressure to one ormore fluid inlet ports or fluid outlet ports associated with the fluidcomponent 4320. For example, the fluid component 4320 may be employed toperform one or more types of fluid evacuation processes and/or fluidrefill processes (e.g., oil changes or other machine 4302 maintenanceoperations) in association with different fluid reservoirs 4310, forexample, of the machine 4302. It can be appreciated that the fluidcomponent 4320 may be positioned in one or more other places within thefluid system or valve system of the machine 4302.

FIG. 44A schematically illustrates an example arrangement of a machine4402 operatively associated with a supplemental pump 4404 and asupplemental filter apparatus 4406 in accordance with variousembodiments of the invention. As shown, the machine 4402 may include anengine 4408 comprising one or more fluid reservoirs 4410 (e.g.,hydraulic fluid reservoir 4410A, transmission fluid reservoir 4410B, oilsump 4410C, or various other fluid reservoirs 4410D). The engine 4408may also include a main pump 4412 that performs primary fluid processingfor the engine 4408, such as pumping oil, air, or other fluids throughthe engine 4408, for example. One or more filters 4414 may be includedin the engine, as well as potentially a variety of other enginecomponents 4416. In various embodiments, a fluid filtration apparatusmay comprise the supplemental filter apparatus 4406 having an inletconnected at a common junction of an outlet of the supplemental pump4404 and an inlet of a first valve 4418A. The first valve 4418A may beconnected to facilitate fluid flow to the engine 4408 at a thresholdlevel of fluid pressure. A second valve 4418B may be positioned betweenan outlet of the supplemental filter apparatus 4406 and an inlet of atleast one component of the engine 4408. In certain embodiments, thesupplemental pump 4404 may be positioned onboard with respect to themachine 4402 and/or the engine 4408.

In certain embodiments, a control module 4422 may be programmed foractuating at least one of the first valve 4418A, the second valve 4418B,or the supplemental pump 4404 in association with detecting theexistence of a filter triggering condition. For example, activatingand/or deactivating the supplemental pump 4404 may be performed inresponse to analyzing a combination of one or more factors such asengine 4408 speed (e.g., within a tolerance range at idle speed, fullspeed, or other operational speeds), engine oil rifle pressure, or fluidtemperature. For example, an oil regulator may be disabled if the oil istoo thick (i.e., viscosity), and the engine 4408 may then run on thehigh pressure supplied by the supplemental pump 4404 to raise the riflepressure. Likewise, the control module 4422 may be programmed todeactivate the supplemental pump 4404 as appropriate in accordance withvarious filter triggering conditions. The control module 4422 mayinclude one or more processors or computer systems programmed withsoftware, firmware, or other computer-executable instructions to performthe various functions of the control module 4422. The control module4422 may be operatively associated with one or more data transmissiondevices 4432 which can store and/or process data received or processedby the control module 4422. The control module 4422 may be programmed toactivate or deactivate the supplemental pump 4404; to receive, transmit,and/or process data signals in communication with one or more componentsof the machine 4402; and/or, to process or analyze data communicatedfrom one or more sensors 4424A-4424E as operatively associated withvarious parts of the machine 4302. In certain embodiments, the controlmodule 4422 may communicate signals to one or more indicators 4442 whichreflect the activity or function of different aspects of the controlmodule 4422. For example, one such indicator 4442 may include a warninglight, or an alert graphical display positioned on the console of avehicle in which the machine 4402 is installed. In certain embodiments,the control module 4422 may activate or deactivate a filter system orotherwise operate a valve or valve apparatus in connection with a filtertriggering condition.

In the example of a fluid filtration apparatus shown in FIG. 44A, thesecond valve 4418B may include a normally closed valve to resist fluidflow through the supplemental filter apparatus 4406 in a first operatingmode. In this first operating mode, fluid flows through the supplementalpump 4404, through the first valve 4418A, and then back to a componentof the engine 4408. In various embodiments, the first valve 4418A mayinclude a check valve which is connected to a filter head 4414 of theengine 4408, for example. In certain embodiments, the second valve 4418Bmay be connected to a sump of the engine 4408. In the first operatingmode when the second valve 4418B is closed, then fluid may flow throughthe supplemental pump 4404 to the filter 4414, such as during apre-lubrication fluid process, for example. In a second operating mode,the second valve 4418B may be opened to enable bypass filtration of thefluid flow through the supplemental filter apparatus 4406 and back tothe sump 4410C of the engine 4408, or another fluid reservoir 4410. Itcan be seen that back pressure through the filter 4414 during engineoperation can resist fluid from flowing through the first valve 4418A.In the event that restriction of fluid flow by the supplemental filterapparatus 4406 restriction results in unacceptably high pressure, thenthe first valve 4418A can be actuated to allow fluid flow through theengine 4408 through the filter 4414. In other words, when the secondvalve 4418B is open, the part of the fluid path that leads to the engine4408 through the first valve 4418A and the filter head 4414 is alsoopen. For example, if the supplemental filter apparatus 4406 includes atwo micron filter medium, and the filter medium becomes clogged duringuse, then a pressure greater than pressure at the filter 4414 wouldallow fluid to flow into the filter 4414, thus potentially limitingpressure at the supplemental filter apparatus 4406 to just slightly morethan the engine 4408 fluid pressure at filter 4414.

In various embodiments, the machine 4402 may be structured with one ormore fluid components 4420. The fluid component 4420 may include one ormore of the following fluidic structures, for example and withoutlimitation: a pump that is off-board with respect to the machine 4402; apump that is on-board with respect to the machine 4402; a flow controlmeans such as a hand-held device, for example; a bracket or evacuationbracket; and/or, a quick-disconnect structure. The fluid component 4420may also be one or more other types of components, devices, or systemssuitable for supplying positive and/or negative fluid pressure to one ormore fluid inlet ports or fluid outlet ports associated with the fluidcomponent 4420. For example, the fluid component 4420 may be employed toperform one or more types of fluid evacuation processes and/or fluidrefill processes (e.g., oil changes or other machine 4402 maintenanceoperations) in association with different fluid reservoirs 4410, forexample, of the machine 4402. It can be appreciated that the fluidcomponent 4420 may be positioned in one or more other places within thefluid or valve system of the machine 4402.

FIG. 44B illustrates an alternative embodiment of the fluid filtrationapparatus shown in FIG. 44A. In this embodiment, a multi-position valve4452 may be located at a common junction of: an inlet of thesupplemental filter apparatus 4406; an outlet of the supplemental pump4404; and, an inlet of a second valve 4454 operatively associated withthe engine 4408. In addition, an outlet of the supplemental filterapparatus 4406 may be in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir 4410or another component of the engine 4408. The multi-position valve 4452may be structured for being alternatively positioned: in a firstoperating state in which a fluid path is established from the outlet ofthe supplemental pump 4404 to the inlet of the second valve 4454; or ina second operating state in which a fluid path is established from theoutlet of the supplemental pump 4404, through the inlet of thesupplemental filter apparatus 4406, and to the fluid reservoir 4410 oranother component of the engine 4408. The control module 4422 may beconfigured to process or communicate signals in connection withoperation of the multi-position valve 4452 and/or a sensor 4424Coperatively associated with the multi-position valve 4452.

FIG. 45 schematically illustrates an example arrangement of a machine4502 operatively associated with a fluid filtration apparatus includinga fluid reservoir pump 4504 and a supplemental filter apparatus 4506 inaccordance with various embodiments of the invention. As shown, thefluid reservoir pump 4504 may be connected to at least one fluidreservoir 4510 of an engine 4508. The machine 4502 may include an engine4508 comprising one or more fluid reservoirs 4510 (e.g., hydraulic fluidreservoir 4510A, transmission fluid reservoir 4510B, oil sump 4510C, orvarious other fluid reservoirs 4510D). The engine 4508 may also includea main pump 4512 that performs primary fluid processing for the engine4508, such as pumping oil, air, or other fluids through the engine 4508,for example. One or more filters 4514 may be included in the engine, aswell as potentially a variety of other engine components 4516. Invarious embodiments, the supplemental filter apparatus 4506 and/or thefilters 4514 may include one or more of an electrical filter, a magneticfilter, a centrifugal filter, a paper-based filter, or a syntheticfilter. In certain embodiments, the fluid reservoir pump 4504 may bepositioned onboard with respect to the machine 4502 and/or the engine4508.

In certain embodiments, the fluid reservoir pump 4504 may be apre-lubrication pump, for example, or an existing pump which is acomponent of a power steering system or a power braking systemoperatively associated with the machine 4502. The supplemental pump 4504may be structured for fluid communication with at least one component ofthe engine 4508, such as one or more of the fluid reservoirs 4510. Thesupplemental filter apparatus 4506 may be positioned in fluidic serieswith the supplemental pump 4504 and structured with an inlet forreceiving fluid flow from the supplemental pump 4504. The supplementalfilter apparatus 4506 may be structured with an outlet to direct thefluid flow to one or more of the fluid reservoirs 4510 of the engine4508. From the outlet or discharge side of the supplemental filterapparatus 4506, fluid may be directed to flow to a primary air filter4514 of the engine 4508, for example. In various embodiments, thesupplemental filter apparatus 4506 may include at least one finefiltration medium. In certain embodiments, one of the filters 4514 ofthe engine 4508 may be positioned between the outlet of the supplementalfilter apparatus 4506 and one or more of the fluid reservoirs 4510 ofthe engine 4508.

In various embodiments, the supplemental filter apparatus 4506 may beconnected to the fluid reservoir pump 4504, which may be a pumpoperatively associated with the oil sump 4510C, for example. In certainembodiments, a relief valve 4518 may be connected for fluidcommunication between the supplemental filter apparatus 4506 and thefluid reservoir pump 4504. The relief valve 4518 may be structured todirect fluid flow from the fluid reservoir pump 4504 to the supplementalfilter apparatus 4506 in association with a filter triggering conditionassociated with the relief valve 4518, for example. In variousembodiments, the relief valve 4518 may be structured to resist divertingflow from an oil rifle and bearings of the engine 4508, for example,until the engine 4508 experiences excess flow. In certain embodiments,the relief valve 4518 may be regulated by pressure, temperature, fluidviscosity, flow of fluid reservoir pump 4504 (e.g., engine oil pump),and/or other conditions. In one embodiment, the relief valve 4518 may beactivated when excess flow exists beyond an amount flow that isnecessary for the engine 4508 to perform at a predetermined level ofoperation. As shown in FIG. 45, excess flow can be passed through therelief valve 4518 to the supplemental filter apparatus 4506 as a bypassfor performing fine filtration.

In various embodiments, it can be seen that operation of the engine 4508can be optimized to use substantially the correct amount of fluid neededby the engine 4508, and excess flow can be directed to a bypass orfiltration process. For example, if oil rifle pressure in the engine4508 is 23 psi and the engine 4508 speed is at 900 rpm, then the engine4508 may begin dumping at least part of its excess oil through an oilregulator. As the engine 4508 speed ramps up the rpm curve, more flowthan needed may be added to the system. At this stage, the riflepressure may be 32 psi, for example, when the engine 4508 begins to dumpthe excess oil. Next, in this example, suppose that the engine 4508achieves a rated speed of 1800 to 2100 rpm, while rifle pressure hadrisen from 32 psi to 35 psi, while potentially dumping 23 gallons perminute through the oil regulator. In this example, it can be seen thatat least some portion of the dumped oil can be directed through thesupplemental filter apparatus 4506 instead of being wasted. In certainembodiments, the filter triggering condition associated with activationor deactivation of the relief valve 4518 may or may not be set at alevel that results in a decrease in the rifle pressure within the engine4508.

In various embodiments, the machine 4502 may be structured with one ormore fluid components in operative association with the relief valve4518. The fluid component may include one or more of the followingfluidic structures, for example and without limitation: a pump that isoff-board with respect to the machine 4502; a pump that is on-board withrespect to the machine 4502; a flow control means such as a hand-helddevice, for example; a bracket or evacuation bracket; and/or, aquick-disconnect structure. The fluid component may also be one or moreother types of components, devices, or systems suitable for supplyingpositive and/or negative fluid pressure to one or more fluid inlet portsor fluid outlet ports associated with the fluid component. For example,the fluid component may be employed to perform one or more types offluid evacuation processes and/or fluid refill processes (e.g., oilchanges or other machine 4502 maintenance operations) in associationwith different fluid reservoirs 4510, for example, of the machine 4502.It can be appreciated that the fluid component may be positioned in oneor more other places within the fluid or valve system of the machine4502.

In various embodiments, a control module 4522 may be operativelyassociated with the machine 4502 to collect, process, and/or communicatedata indicative of operational states, triggering conditions, machine4502 conditions, component functions, events, or other like data. Forexample, the control module 4522 may be programmed to activate ordeactivate the fluid reservoir pump 4504; to receive, transmit, and/orprocess data signals in communication with one or more components of themachine 4502; and/or, to process or analyze data communicated from oneor more sensors 4524A-4524D that may be operatively associated withvarious parts of the machine 4502. For example, the sensor 4524A may beconfigured to detect contaminants or other aspects of fluid compositionassociated with fluid flow passing through the supplemental filterapparatus 4506. The control module 4522 may include one or moreprocessors or computer systems programmed with software, firmware, orother computer-executable instructions to perform the various functionsof the control module 4522. The control module 4522 may be operativelyassociated with one or more data transmission devices 4232 which canstore and/or process data received or processed by the control module4522. In certain embodiments, the control module 4522 may communicatesignals to one or more indicators 4542 which reflect the activity orfunction of different aspects of the control module 4522. For example,one such indicator 4542 may include a warning light, or an alertgraphical display positioned on the console of a vehicle in which themachine 4502 is installed. In certain embodiments, the control module4522 may activate or deactivate a valve system or otherwise operate avalve or valve apparatus in connection with a filter triggeringcondition, for example.

In various embodiments, the control module 4522 may be programmed toperform one or more functions upon detecting the existence of variousfilter triggering conditions or other events. Likewise, the controlmodule 4522 may be programmed to perform one or more functions when afilter triggering condition is no longer detected, is out of apredefined parameter range (e.g., 10% above or 10% below a predefinedengine speed), or otherwise no longer exists as a triggering condition.For example, the control module 4522 may be programmed to activate thefluid reservoir pump 4504 in association with detecting the existence ofa filter triggering condition. Examples of potential filter triggeringconditions may include a combination of one or more of the following:threshold fluid temperature, threshold fluid pressure, threshold enginespeed, threshold fluid contaminant level, filter condition, thresholdtime duration of operation, an injection timing variable, a fuelconsumption value, a predetermined day or time, machine state ofoperation. For example, supplemental filtration can be activated as afunction of oil condition, engine 4508 hours, or engine 4508 componentspeed as measured in RPM or another suitable measurement. In certainembodiments, engine 4508 hours may mean total time of operation, such asoperation time between two or more defined points in time, or timebetween fluid operations such as oil changes performed on the engine4508.

In another example, fluid condition monitoring may be performed todetect a filter triggering condition, such as particle count, particleaccumulation, and/or fluid dilution level. In various embodiments, acontaminant sensor may be configured to detect soot levels, for example,or the presence of other contaminants in a fluid flowing through themachine 4502. For example, a filter triggering condition may be employedthat corresponds with a maximum soot level that is acceptable fordesired or optimum engine 4508 operation, which may be specified by anoriginal equipment manufacturer or by other engineering specifications.The control module 4522 may be programmed to activate the supplementalfilter apparatus 4506 upon reaching the predetermined soot level for thespecifications of a given engine 4508. In another example, thesupplemental filter apparatus 4506 may function to remove a dilutantsuch as water, for example, from oil or fuel employed by the machine4502.

In various embodiments, a filter triggering condition may involve adeviation from a predetermined range for an engine 4508 idle speed, aturbo boost pressure, a fuel consumption rate, a waste gate function, oran injection rate, for example. In addition calculated values such afuel-to-air ratio can be considered at least part of a filter triggeringcondition. For example, clogging an air filter in the engine 4508 cancause a change in the fuel-to-air ratio, in addition to potentiallycausing the fuel to increase its soot level. Other factors related tocombustion chemistry, or other phenomena that impact quality ofcombustion, may also form the basis for defining a filter triggeringcondition.

FIG. 46 includes an example of a process flow illustrating aspects ofdetecting and identifying filter triggering conditions in accordancewith various embodiments of the invention. At step 4602, a fluidcondition or an engine component condition may be detected, for example,such as by the function of one or more of the control modules or sensorsdescribed herein. As shown, examples of fluid and component conditions4604 include fluid pressure 4604A, fluid temperature 4604B, contaminantlevel 4604C, injection timing 4604D, engine speed 4604E, time ofoperation or service 4604F, fuel consumption rate 4604G, or many otherconditions 4604H (including the various filter triggering conditionsdescribed herein). At step 4606, a control module or other device maydetermine whether a filter triggering threshold has been reached (e.g.,whether the fluid temperature has fallen below or risen above apredetermined threshold). If the predetermined threshold has beenreached, then the system may perform an action 4608 such as actuating avalve 4608A, activating or deactivating a supplemental pump 4608B or themain pump of a machine, bypassing a supplemental filter 4608C, and/ortake other actions as may be appropriate under the circumstances, suchas performing a kidney loop or fluid filtration process, for example. Inone example, the supplemental pump may be activated to perform a kidneyloop operation during braking or deceleration of the machine, orotherwise when the engine speed 4604E of the machine is reduced.

In various embodiments, the control modules described herein may includevarious components for controlling and monitoring a fluid system, aswell as for monitoring, collecting and analyzing data associated withvarious fluid system and method embodiments described herein. Thecontrol module may include a processor for executing various commandswithin, and directing the function of, the various components of thecontrol module. One or more sensor inputs can be provided in the controlmodule for receiving and processing data communicated from one or moresensors installed within a fluid system. Sensors applicable to operationof a machine can include, without limitation, sensors to detecttemperature, sensors to detect pressure, sensors to detect voltage,sensors to detect current, sensors to detect contaminants, sensors todetect cycle time, flow sensors and/or other sensors suitable fordetecting various conditions experienced by the machine during thevarious stages of operation of the machine. In addition, one or moreindicators can be provided in operative association with the controlmodule for providing alerts or notifications of conditions detected andcommunicated to the control module. Such indicators can be conventionalaudio, visual, or audiovisual indications of a condition detected withina fluid system. The control module may also include one or moreoperatively associated data transmission devices or data storage mediafor storing, retrieving and/or reporting data communicated to thecontrol module. Data stored within the data storage media may include avariety of data collected from the condition of the fluid systemincluding, for example and without limitation, oil condition, particlecount of contaminants, cycle time data for time to evacuate or time torefill a given reservoir, and/or fluid receptacle or fluid storage data.

The control module may include one or more controls for permittingmanipulation of various elements of a fluid system and/or for receivingand processing data communicated from a fluid system. Machine controlscan be provided for controlling various aspects of an engine, forexample, such as ignition, pre-lubrication operations, initiating afluid evacuation process, initiating a fluid refill process, initiatinga kidney loop or filtration process, and various other machineoperations. Pump controls can be provided for controlling the action ofa pump or supplemental pump operatively associated with a fluid system,such as the fluid system of a machine, for example. One or more valvecontrols can be provided to actuate the position (e.g., open, closed, orother position) of one or more valves included within a fluid system. Inaddition, one or more multi-position valve controls can be provided tooperate a multi-way valve or a multi-position valve apparatus or system.In addition, evacuation bracket controls can be provided for theparticular function of one or more evacuation brackets included within,or introduced into, a fluid system as fluid components. In addition, invarious embodiments described herein, it can be appreciated that thecontrols need not be located within the same location such as includedwithin the same service panel, for example, or other like centralizedlocation. It can be further appreciated that the controls may beoperatively associated with a machine, a fluid system, a valve system,or other component by one or more wireline and/or wireless communicationmethods or systems.

Data can be communicated to the control module to and/or from a fluidsystem through a variety of methods, systems, or techniques. In variousembodiments, data may be communicated, for example, by a wirelineconnection, communicated by satellite communications, cellularcommunications, infrared and/or communicated in accordance with aprotocol such as IEEE 802.11, for example, or other wireless or radiofrequency communication protocol among other similar types ofcommunication methods and systems. As shown in FIG. 47, one or more datatransmission devices 4702 can be employed in operative association witha control module 4704 for the purpose of receiving, processing,inputting and/or storing data and/or for cooperating with the controlmodule 4704 to control, monitor or otherwise manipulate one or morecomponents included within a fluid system. Examples of data transmissiondevices 4702 include, for example and without limitation, computers4702A, laptops 4702B, mobile phones 4702C, tablets 4702D, and personaldigital assistants (PDA's) 4702E, and/or other data devices 4702suitable for executing instructions on one or more computer-readablemedia. The control module 4704 may also include or may be operativelyassociated with a global positioning system (“GPS”) 4702F that can beprogrammed to determine a position of a machine, for example. In certainembodiments, the data transmission device 4702 may include one or moretypes of data storage media 4702G suitable for receiving data signalsand/or storing data. In one example, a high fluid pressure filtertriggering condition may generate a signal which represents the filtermedium of the supplemental filter apparatus needing to be changed. Sucha signal could be communicated wirelessly to a mobile device, forexample, by use of the various media or devices described herein.

Various types of sensors can be employed in various embodiments todetect one or more conditions, states, or other characteristics of afluid system, different fluids, or components employed in the fluidsystem. For example, the sensors can detect one or more of the followingconditions within a fluid system: engine oil pressure, oil temperaturein the engine, amount of current drawn by a pre-lubrication circuit,presence of contaminants (such as oil contaminants, for example) in theengine, amount of time that has elapsed for performance of one or morecycles of various engine operations (i.e., cycle time) such aspre-lubrication operations, fluid evacuation operations, fluid refilloperations, fluid flow rates, and others. One example of a sensor thatmay be used in accordance with various embodiments of the presentsystems and methods is a contamination sensor marketed under the“LUBRIGARD” trade designation (Lubrigard Limited). A contaminationsensor can provide information regarding oxidation products, water,glycol, metallic wear particles, and/or other contaminants that may bepresent in the engine oil, hydraulic oil, gearbox oil, transmission oil,compressor oil and/or other fluids used in various machines. In variousaspects of the present methods and systems, the contamination sensor maybe employed during one or more fluid processes, for example, such as afluid evacuation process or a fluid refill process.

It can be appreciated that the control module can receive and store dataassociated with activation and deactivation of various components of afluid system and operation of a machine, such as an engine, for example,included within the fluid system. Cycle time, for example, can becalculated from analysis of collected data to provide an indication ofelapsed time for completing evacuation and/or refill operations. For agiven oil temperature or temperature range (e.g., as can be detected andcommunicated by a temperature sensor), an average cycle time, forexample, can be calculated through analysis of two or more collectedcycle times. In one aspect, the present methods and systems candetermine whether the most recently elapsed cycle time deviates from anominal average cycle time, or range of cycle times, for a given oiltemperature or temperature range. In addition, factors may be known suchas the type and viscosity of fluids (e.g., such as oil) used inconnection with operation of the machine. An unacceptable deviation froma nominal cycle time, or range of times, can result in recording a faultin a data storage medium operatively associated with the control module.It can be appreciated that many other types of fault conditions maydetected, analyzed and recorded in connection with practice of thepresent systems and methods. In other illustrative examples, conditionsassociated with battery voltage, current, and/or the presence ofcontaminants in the machine, for example, may be detected, analyzed, andone or more fault conditions recorded by the control module.

In various embodiments, data collected from fluid system operation canbe stored on an internal data module 4217, 4317, 4417, 4517 installed onor near a machine, for example. The internal data module 4217, 4317,4417, 4517 can include a processor with an operatively associatedmemory. In one aspect, the internal data module 4217, 4317, 4417, 4517can be a “one-shot” circuit, as that term is understood by those skilledin the art. The internal data module 4217, 4317, 4417, 4517 can beconfigured to receive and store data related to various conditions of afluid system, a machine, a valve, a pump, or other components of a fluidsystem. In one embodiment, the internal data module 4217, 4317, 4417,4517 can store data in the memory prior to engine ignition and thentransfer the stored data to the control module, for example, or anothercomputer system, once engine ignition is initiated. In anotherembodiment, the internal data module 4217, 4317, 4417, 4517 can storecondition data for subsequent download to the control module or anothersuitable computer system. In various embodiments, the internal datamodule 4217, 4317, 4417, 4517 can be configured for use in performingdata collection and storage functions when the control module is nototherwise active (e.g., during various machine service operations). Inthis manner, the internal data module 4217, 4317, 4417, 4517 can beemployed to store data corresponding to the electrical events associatedwith an oil change, for example, or another type of fluid evacuation orrefill procedure and can transmit data related to the procedure to thecontrol module. In various embodiments, the internal data module 4217,4317, 4417, 4517 can be a stand-alone, discrete module, or can beconfigured for full or partial integration into the operation of thecontrol module.

Collected and analyzed data, as well as recorded fault events, can bestored in association with the control module, the internal data module4217, 4317, 4417, 4517, and/or at a remote location. In variousembodiments, the control module and/or the internal data module 4217,4317, 4417, 4517 can be configured for operation as integral componentsof a machine or as remote components not installed locally on themachine. The collected and analyzed information can be stored in one ormore of the data transmission devices and/or data storage mediaoperatively associated with the control module, or on anotherconventional storage suitable for use in connection with the controlmodule. The information can also be stored externally with respect to amachine and its components. Data can be transmitted wirelessly by aradio frequency communication or by a wireline connection from thecontrol module to one or more data devices (as described herein). Amobile phone 4702C, for example, may be configured and employed as acomputer system for receiving and processing data collected from thecontrol module during fluid evacuation and fluid refill processes.

In various embodiments, data can be collected, stored and/or analyzedfor multiple reservoirs connected with, or operatively associated with,a machine. A control module or other data device can be employed tocollect, store, and/or analyze data in accordance with one or more ofthe process steps shown in FIG. 46, for example, as well as inconnection with other functions performed in connection with fluidoperations and/or maintenance for a machine. In one example, the controlmodule can be used to collect and analyze time-stamp informationassociated with an event such as an evacuation/refill process performedin connection with an oil reservoir, for example. Data such as currentvalve position, valve type, and/or reservoir type, for example, can becollected in connection with performance of an evacuation/refillprocedure for a fluid reservoir, for example. Data stored within thedata transmission devices and/or data storage media may include avariety of data collected from the condition of a fluid systemincluding, for example and without limitation, oil condition; particlecount of contaminants; cycle time data for time to evacuate or time torefill a given reservoir; time stamp data on a reservoir-by-reservoirbasis; time stamp data on a component-by-component basis; time stampdata on a system-by-system basis; and/or, data associated with a fluidreceptacle or another fluid storage medium.

FIG. 48 schematically illustrates various examples of fluid reservoirand pump combinations that may be employed in association with variousembodiments of the invention. As shown, each fluid reservoir 4802A,4804A, 4806A, 4808A may be operatively associated with a pump orsupplemental pump 4802B, 4804B, 4806B, 4808B. For example, one or moreof the fluid reservoirs 4802A, 4804A, 4806A, 4808A may be a component ofa power steering system or power braking system of a machine. In theexample shown, one or more of the supplemental pumps 4802B, 4804B,4806B, 4808B may be operatively associated with one or more supplementalfilter apparatuses 4802C, 4804C, 4806C, 4808C. In certain embodiments,two or more fluid reservoirs may share a common pump and/or a commonsupplemental filter apparatus. Where operationally applicable, it can beappreciated that the multiple supplemental pump and/or multiplesupplemental filter apparatus embodiments illustrated in FIG. 48 may beemployed in connection with various embodiments of machines and fluidfiltration apparatuses described herein. In one example, fluid such asthe engine oil of a machine may be filtered through a supplementalfilter apparatus and then returned back to the fuel tank of the machineto be used as fuel.

Referring now to FIG. 49, for purposes of illustrating an operativeenvironment for certain embodiments of the invention, a diesel engine810 is shown having portions removed and/or broken away for convenienceof illustration of the lubrication system of the engine 4910. It can beappreciated that the diesel engine 4910 is shown and described hereinmerely for purposes of convenience of disclosure and illustration andthat many other machines, as defined herein, can be employed inaccordance with the various embodiments of the present systems andmethods. The lubrication system may include a main oil pump 4920 that ismechanically driven from the crankshaft 4922 of the engine 4910. Whenactuated by rotation of crankshaft 4922, the main oil pump 4920 drawsoil from a sump 4924 through a screening element 4926 and distributes itunder pressure through a plurality of conduits 4928. The pressurized oilis delivered to the crankshaft bearings 4930 of the engine 4910, to theturbocharger unit 4932, to the valve train assembly 4934, to the pistons4936, through a filtering assembly 4938, and to other engine componentsthat require lubrication. It can be appreciated that one or more valvesand/or passages (not shown) may be included within the lubricationsystem of the engine 4910 to control the flow of oil provided to variousengine components.

Referring now to FIGS. 49 and 49A, during operation of the engine 4910,the main oil pump 4920 is not actuated until the crankshaft 4922 beginsto rotate due to the operation of an electromechanical starter assembly4940. The starter assembly 4940 can be conventional in configuration andcan include a direct current motor assembly 4950 having an armatureshaft 4952 extending therethrough. The armature shaft 4952 supports astarter gear 4954 adjacent to one end of the starter assembly 4940. Thestarter gear 4954 engages a flywheel 4923 to rotatably drive crankshaft4922 when actuated. A bendix drive mechanism 4956 controls the axialmovement of the starter gear 4954 to engage and disengage the startergear 4954 from the flywheel 4923. Because a significant time period canelapse before the main oil pump 4920 is able to achieve normal operatingoil pressure in the lubrication system, vital components of the engine4910 may move and interact through a number of cycles with little or nolubrication pressure. This can result in undesirably excessive wear andpremature failure of engine components.

In various embodiments, a pre-lubrication electromechanical system canbe activated prior to combustion in the engine 4910 and rotation of thecrankshaft 4922. The pre-lubrication system can be employed to at leastsome lubricating oil pressure before initial movement and interaction ofengine 4910 components. To provide lubrication to the engine 4910components, the pre-lubrication system can include a supplemental oilpump 4942 operatively connected to the starter assembly 4940. In oneaspect, the supplemental oil pump 4942 can include a mechanically drivengear-type oil pump having an elongated drive shaft 4943 and gears 4944,4945. It can be seen that the supplemental oil pump 4942 communicateswith the lubrication system of the engine 4910 through an oil inlet line4946, an oil output line 4947, and a check valve 4948. The drive shaft4943 of the supplemental oil pump 4942 may be connected to the armatureshaft 4952 of the starter motor 4940 opposite the starter gear 4954 inany convenient manner, so that the two shafts 4943, 4952 can rotatetogether. The supplemental oil pump 4942 and the starter motor 4940 maybe conveniently incorporated within a single housing to form an integralunit. In certain embodiments, the supplemental oil pump 4942 can beinstalled as an on-board component of the engine 4910, or as a remotelypositioned external pump.

In certain embodiments, the check valve 4948 can be mounted on theengine 4910 adjacent to the outlet line 4947 to resist oil backflowwhile the supplemental oil pump 4942 is inoperative. This check valve4948 can also resist spinning of the starter assembly 4940 caused by oilflow during normal operation of the engine 4910. It can be seen thatfailure of the supplemental oil pump 4942 would not render the engine4910 inoperative, thereby avoiding potentially expensive down-time andmaintenance for the engine 4910 and its associated equipment. Likewise,because the supplemental oil pump 4942 pumps oil through the filteringassembly 4938 before the oil enters the engine 4910, failure of thesupplemental oil pump 4942 would not likely introduce damaging particlesinto the engine 4910.

Various aspects of the following disclosure include operational examplesfor the various system and method embodiments described herein. It canbe appreciated that such operational examples are provided merely forconvenience of disclosure, and that no particular aspect or aspects ofthese operational examples are intended to limit the scope ofapplication of the present systems and methods.

Where applicable and operational in the context of various embodimentsof valve assemblies and systems described herein, one or more valves maybe in a normally closed or normally open position prior to, during, orafter performance of a particular fluid operation. In addition, one ormore types of valves may be employed in certain embodiments of thepresent systems and methods (e.g., a reasonable combination of checkvalves and/or electronic valves may be employed).

It can be appreciated that, where applicable and operational in thecontext of various embodiments of valve assemblies and systems describedherein, performing a refill fluid operation to a pre-filter portion of afluid system improves filtration of the refill fluid. In variousembodiments, the refill fluid encounters at least one filter, forexample, before the refill fluid encounters various other operativecomponents of the fluid system.

Data can be communicated with the control modules to and/or from a fluidsystem through a variety of methods and systems. In various embodimentsdisclosed herein, data may be communicated, for example, by a wirelineconnection, communicated by satellite communications, cellularcommunications, infrared and/or communicated in accordance with awireless or radio frequency communication protocol among other similartypes of communication methods and systems. One or more data devices canbe employed in operative association with the control modules for thepurpose of receiving, processing, inputting and/or storing data and/orfor cooperating with the control modules to control, monitor orotherwise manipulate one or more components included within a fluidsystem.

In one illustrative example, information related to an oil filter purgeoperation, such as the date and time of the filter purge or the cycletime of the filter purge, for example, and/or other machine conditionscan be recorded and processed in connection with operation of thecontrol modules. In addition, the condition (e.g., open or closed) ofvarious valve inlets and outlets, and the date/time at which they areactuated, may be detected, recorded and/or analyzed for various fluidoperations. In accordance with the systems and methods disclosed herein,data may be collected and recorded on a reservoir-by-reservoir basisand/or on a fluid system-by-fluid system basis as service is performedon a machine, for example.

With reference to FIGS. 50A through 51B, in various embodiments a fluidmonitoring system can be provided for activating a control module duringa dormant state of a machine in connection with performing a fluidoperation on a machine, for example. In certain embodiments, the fluidcontrol system may supply power to and activate a control module torecord event data associated with a fluid operation performed inconnection with the machine. It will be appreciated that the variousembodiments as illustrated in FIGS. 50A through 51B, and as discussed inmore detail herein, may be equally applicable to various embodiments ofcontrol modules, sensors, pumps, valve assemblies, and/or othercomponents described herein. It can be seen that these embodimentsaddress an issue arising from collecting data when a machine is powereddown or in a dormant state and power is otherwise not normally suppliedto components such as the control module.

FIGS. 50A and 50B include examples of an electrical diagram and anelectrical schematic associated with a fluid monitoring system 5002configured for establishing an electrical connection between a fluidcomponent 5004 (in connection with an oil evacuation bracket 5006, forexample) and a control module 5008. In various embodiments, the fluidcomponent 5004 may be employed in conjunction with one or more fluidsystems of a machine to perform fluid operations such as fluid refilloperations, fluid evacuation operations, fluid purge operations, fluidprelubrication operations, or fluid circulation or recycling processes,among others. During a fluid operation performed on a machine, the fluidcomponent 5004 can be employed to establish an electrical connectionwith the system 5002 that transmits power to the control module 5008.Once activated or supplied with power, the control module 5008 canreceive a signal through the system 5002 that can be used to record atime, date, or other information associated with performing the fluidoperation. In certain embodiments, the control module 5008 can besupplied with power even if the machine is not powered or in a dormantor otherwise inactive state. In a dormant state of the machine, adisconnect switch may be open on the control module 5008, making thecontrol module 5008 also dormant and unable to receive the signal.Therefore, the present embodiments provide a source of power forenabling data to be recorded by the control module 5008 even when amachine is not active or otherwise not powered for use.

In the example shown in the electrical schematic of FIG. 50B, when awire associated with the fluid component 5004 from pin C to pin Aconnects a positive battery (B+) signal 5014 on pin C to pin A of thebracket 5006, and a wire (yellow) transmits the B+ signal 5014 to thecontrol module 5008. In this example, a ground wire (black) may be usedto supply the signal that “stamps” or records data into the controlmodule 5008 when a fluid operation is performed with the fluid component5004.

FIGS. 51A and 51B include examples of an electrical diagram and anelectrical schematic associated with a fluid monitoring system 5022configured for establishing an electrical connection between a fluidcomponent 5024 (in connection with an oil evacuation bracket 5026, forexample) and a control module 5028. In these examples, the fluid controlsystem 5022 may be programmed to process data associated with fluidoperations performed on multiple fluid reservoirs of a machine. Invarious embodiments, the fluid component 5024 may be employed inconjunction with one or more fluid systems of a machine to perform fluidoperations such as fluid refill operations, fluid evacuation operations,fluid purge operations, fluid prelubrication operations, or fluidcirculation or recycling processes, among others. During a fluidoperation performed on a machine, the fluid component 5024 can beemployed to establish an electrical connection that transmits power tothe control module 5022. Once activated or supplied with power, thecontrol module 5028 can receive a signal through the system 5022 thatcan be used to record a time, date, or other information associated withperforming the fluid operation. In certain embodiments, the controlmodule 5028 can be supplied with power even if the machine is notpowered or in a dormant or otherwise inactive state. In a dormant stateof the machine, a disconnect switch may be open on the control module5028, making the control module 5028 also dormant and unable to receivethe signal. Therefore, the present embodiments provide a source of powerfor enabling data to be recorded by the control module 5028 even when amachine is not active or otherwise not powered for use.

In the example shown in the electrical schematic of FIG. 51B, when awire associated with the fluid component 5024 from pin C to pin Aconnects a battery positive (B+) signal 5034 on pin C to pin A of thebracket 5026, and a wire (yellow) transmits the B+ signal 5034 throughthe event data circuit to the control module 5028. In this example, aground wire (black) may be used to supply the signal that “stamps” orrecords data into the control module 5028 when a fluid operation isperformed with the fluid component 5024.

In various embodiments, the fluid components 5004, 5024 may include oneor more of the following fluidic structures, for example and withoutlimitation: a pump that is off-board with respect to a machine beingserviced; a pump that is on-board with respect to a machine beingserviced; a flow control means (in accordance with embodiments describedherein) such as a hand-held device, for example; and/or, a bracket orevacuation bracket. The fluid components 5004, 5024 may also be anyother component suitable for supplying positive and/or negative fluidpressure to a machine fluid system in accordance with the various fluidoperations described herein.

In various embodiments, the control modules 5008, 5028 may includevarious components for controlling and monitoring a fluid system, aswell as for monitoring, collecting and analyzing data associated withvarious fluid system and method embodiments described herein. Thecontrol modules 5008, 5028 may include a processor for executing variouscommands within, and directing the function of, the various componentsof the control modules 5008, 5028. One or more sensor inputs can beprovided in the control modules 5008, 5028 for receiving and processingdata communicated from one or more sensors installed within a fluidsystem of a machine. In addition, one or more indicators can be providedwithin the control modules 5008, 5028 for providing alerts ornotifications of conditions detected and communicated to the controlmodules 5008, 5028. Such indicators can be conventional audio, visual,or audiovisual indications of a condition detected within a fluidsystem. The control modules 5008, 5028 may also include one or more datastorage media configured for storing, retrieving and/or reporting datacommunicated to the control modules 5008, 5028. Data stored within thedata storage media may include a variety of data collected from thecondition of the fluid system or the machine including, for example andwithout limitation, oil condition, particle count of contaminants, cycletime data, time stamp data, fluid pressure date, fluid temperature data,or many other engine conditions or triggering conditions describedherein.

In various embodiments described herein, a fluid operation or fluidservice operation may include, for example and without limitation, afluid evacuation process, a fluid refill process, a purging process(e.g., air purge), a prelubrication operation, circulating fluid withina fluid system, or recycling fluid through a fluid system, among othertypes of fluid processes.

It should be appreciated that all the figures are presented forillustrative purposes and not as construction drawings. Omitted detailsand modifications or alternative embodiments are within the purview ofpersons of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, whereas particularembodiments of the invention have been described herein for the purposeof illustrating the invention and not for the purpose of limiting thesame, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art thatnumerous variations of the details, materials and arrangement of partsmay be made within the principle and scope of the invention withoutdeparting from the invention as described in the appended claims.

The term “computer-readable medium” is defined herein as understood bythose skilled in the art. It can be appreciated, for example, thatmethod steps described herein may be performed, in certain embodiments,using instructions stored on a computer-readable medium or media thatdirect a computer system to perform the method steps. Acomputer-readable medium can include, for example, memory devices suchas diskettes, compact discs of both read-only and writeable varieties,optical disk drives, and hard disk drives. A computer-readable mediumcan also include memory storage that can be physical, virtual,permanent, temporary, semi-permanent and/or semi-temporary.

It is to be understood that the figures and descriptions of the presentinvention have been simplified to illustrate elements that are relevantfor a clear understanding of the present invention, while eliminating,for purposes of clarity, other elements. Those of ordinary skill in theart will recognize, however, that these and other elements may bedesirable. However, because such elements are well known in the art, andbecause they do not facilitate a better understanding of the presentinvention, a discussion of such elements is not provided herein.

It can be appreciated that, in some embodiments of the present methodsand systems disclosed herein, a single component can be replaced bymultiple components, and multiple components replaced by a singlecomponent, to perform a given function or functions. Except where suchsubstitution would not be operative to practice the present methods andsystems, such substitution is within the scope of the present invention.

Examples presented herein are intended to illustrate potentialimplementations of the present method and system embodiments. It can beappreciated that such examples are intended primarily for purposes ofillustration. No particular aspect or aspects of the example method andsystem embodiments described herein are intended to limit the scope ofthe present invention.

Any element expressed herein as a means for performing a specifiedfunction is intended to encompass any way of performing that functionincluding, for example, a combination of elements that performs thatfunction. Furthermore the invention, as may be defined by suchmeans-plus-function claims, resides in the fact that the functionalitiesprovided by the various recited means are combined and brought togetherin a manner as defined by the appended claims. Therefore, any means thatcan provide such functionalities may be considered equivalents to themeans shown herein.

In various embodiments, modules or software can be used to practicecertain aspects of the invention. For example, software-as-a-service(SaaS) models or application service provider (ASP) models may beemployed as software application delivery models to communicate softwareapplications to clients or other users. Such software applications canbe downloaded through an Internet connection, for example, and operatedeither independently (e.g., downloaded to a laptop or desktop computersystem) or through a third-party service provider (e.g., accessedthrough a third-party web site). In addition, cloud computing techniquesmay be employed in connection with various embodiments of the invention.In certain embodiments, a “module” may include software, firmware,hardware, or any reasonable combination thereof.

Moreover, the processes associated with the present embodiments may beexecuted by programmable equipment, such as computers. Software or othersets of instructions that may be employed to cause programmableequipment to execute the processes may be stored in any storage device,such as, for example, a computer system (non-volatile) memory, anoptical disk, magnetic tape, or magnetic disk. Furthermore, some of theprocesses may be programmed when the computer system is manufactured orvia a computer-readable memory medium.

It can also be appreciated that certain process aspects described hereinmay be performed using instructions stored on a computer-readable memorymedium or media that direct a computer or computer system to performprocess steps. A computer-readable medium may include, for example,memory devices such as diskettes, compact discs of both read-only andread/write varieties, optical disk drives, and hard disk drives. Acomputer-readable medium may also include memory storage that may bephysical, virtual, permanent, temporary, semi-permanent and/orsemi-temporary.

A “computer,” “computer system,” or “processor” may be, for example andwithout limitation, a processor, microcomputer, minicomputer, server,mainframe, laptop, personal data assistant (PDA), wireless e-maildevice, cellular phone, pager, processor, fax machine, scanner, or anyother programmable device configured to transmit and/or receive dataover a network. Computer systems and computer-based devices disclosedherein may include memory for storing certain software applications usedin obtaining, processing, and communicating information. It can beappreciated that such memory may be internal or external with respect tooperation of the disclosed embodiments. The memory may also include anymeans for storing software, including a hard disk, an optical disk,floppy disk, ROM (read only memory), RAM (random access memory), PROM(programmable ROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable PROM) and/or othercomputer-readable memory media. In various embodiments, a “host,”“engine,” “updater,” “loader,” “filter,” “platform,” or “component” mayinclude various computers or computer systems, or may include areasonable combination of software, firmware, and/or hardware.

In various embodiments of the present invention, a single component maybe replaced by multiple components, and multiple components may bereplaced by a single component, to perform a given function orfunctions. Except where such substitution would not be operative topractice embodiments of the present invention, such substitution iswithin the scope of the present invention. Any of the servers describedherein, for example, may be replaced by a “server farm” or othergrouping of networked servers (e.g., a group of server blades) that arelocated and configured for cooperative functions. It can be appreciatedthat a server farm may serve to distribute workload between/amongindividual components of the farm and may expedite computing processesby harnessing the collective and cooperative power of multiple servers.Such server farms may employ load-balancing software that accomplishestasks such as, for example, tracking demand for processing power fromdifferent machines, prioritizing and scheduling tasks based on networkdemand, and/or providing backup contingency in the event of componentfailure or reduction in operability.

In general, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art thatvarious embodiments described herein, or components or parts thereof,may be implemented in many different embodiments of software, firmware,and/or hardware, or modules thereof. The software code or specializedcontrol hardware used to implement some of the present embodiments isnot limiting of the present invention. For example, the embodimentsdescribed hereinabove may be implemented in computer software using anysuitable computer programming language such as .NET, SQL, MySQL, or HTMLusing, for example, conventional or object-oriented techniques.Programming languages for computer software and othercomputer-implemented instructions may be translated into machinelanguage by a compiler or an assembler before execution and/or may betranslated directly at run time by an interpreter. Examples of assemblylanguages include ARM, MIPS, and x86; examples of high level languagesinclude Ada, BASIC, C, C++, C#, COBOL, Fortran, Java, Lisp, Pascal,Object Pascal; and examples of scripting languages include Bournescript, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, PHP, and Perl. Various embodiments maybe employed in a Lotus Notes environment, for example. Such software maybe stored on any type of suitable computer-readable medium or media suchas, for example, a magnetic or optical storage medium. Thus, theoperation and behavior of the embodiments are described without specificreference to the actual software code or specialized hardwarecomponents. The absence of such specific references is feasible becauseit is clearly understood that artisans of ordinary skill would be ableto design software and control hardware to implement the embodiments ofthe present invention based on the description herein with only areasonable effort and without undue experimentation.

Various embodiments of the systems and methods described herein mayemploy one or more electronic computer networks to promote communicationamong different components, transfer data, or to share resources andinformation. Such computer networks can be classified according to thehardware and software technology that is used to interconnect thedevices in the network, such as optical fiber, Ethernet, wireless LAN,HomePNA, power line communication or G.hn. The computer networks mayalso be embodied as one or more of the following types of networks:local area network (LAN); metropolitan area network (MAN); wide areanetwork (WAN); virtual private network (VPN); storage area network(SAN); or global area network (GAN), among other network varieties.

For example, a WAN computer network may cover a broad area by linkingcommunications across metropolitan, regional, or national boundaries.The network may use routers and/or public communication links. One typeof data communication network may cover a relatively broad geographicarea (e.g., city-to-city or country-to-country) which uses transmissionfacilities provided by common carriers, such as telephone serviceproviders. In another example, a GAN computer network may support mobilecommunications across multiple wireless LANs or satellite networks. Inanother example, a VPN computer network may include links between nodescarried by open connections or virtual circuits in another network(e.g., the Internet) instead of by physical wires. The link-layerprotocols of the VPN can be tunneled through the other network. One VPNapplication can promote secure communications through the Internet. TheVPN can also be used to separately and securely conduct the traffic ofdifferent user communities over an underlying network. The VPN mayprovide users with the virtual experience of accessing the networkthrough an IP address location other than the actual IP address whichconnects the access device to the network.

The computer network may be characterized based on functionalrelationships among the elements or components of the network, such asactive networking, client-server, or peer-to-peer functionalarchitecture. The computer network may be classified according tonetwork topology, such as bus network, star network, ring network, meshnetwork, star-bus network, or hierarchical topology network, forexample. The computer network may also be classified based on the methodemployed for data communication, such as digital and analog networks.

Embodiments described herein may employ internetworking for connectingtwo or more distinct electronic computer networks or network segmentsthrough a common routing technology. The type of internetwork employedmay depend on administration and/or participation in the internetwork.Non-limiting examples of internetworks include intranet, extranet, andInternet. Intranets and extranets may or may not have connections to theInternet. If connected to the Internet, the intranet or extranet may beprotected with appropriate authentication technology or other securitymeasures. As applied herein, an intranet can be a group of networkswhich employ Internet Protocol, web browsers and/or file transferapplications, under common control by an administrative entity. Such anadministrative entity could restrict access to the intranet to onlyauthorized users, for example, or another internal network of anorganization or commercial entity. As applied herein, an extranet mayinclude a network or internetwork generally limited to a primaryorganization or entity, but which also has limited connections to thenetworks of one or more other trusted organizations or entities (e.g.,customers of an entity may be given access an intranet of the entitythereby creating an extranet).

Computer networks may include hardware elements to interconnect networknodes, such as network interface cards (NICs) or Ethernet cards,repeaters, bridges, hubs, switches, routers, and other like components.Such elements may be physically wired for communication and/or dataconnections may be provided with microwave links (e.g., IEEE 802.12) orfiber optics, for example. A network card, network adapter or NIC can bedesigned to allow computers to communicate over the computer network byproviding physical access to a network and an addressing system throughthe use of MAC addresses, for example. A repeater can be embodied as anelectronic device that receives and retransmits a communicated signal ata boosted power level to allow the signal to cover a telecommunicationdistance with reduced degradation. A network bridge can be configured toconnect multiple network segments at the data link layer of a computernetwork while learning which addresses can be reached through whichspecific ports of the network. In the network, the bridge may associatea port with an address and then send traffic for that address only tothat port. In various embodiments, local bridges may be employed todirectly connect local area networks (LANs); remote bridges can be usedto create a wide area network (WAN) link between LANs; and/or, wirelessbridges can be used to connect LANs and/or to connect remote stations toLANs.

In various embodiments, a hub may be employed which contains multipleports. For example, when a data packet arrives at one port of a hub, thepacket can be copied unmodified to all ports of the hub fortransmission. A network switch or other devices that forward and filterOSI layer 2 datagrams between ports based on MAC addresses in datapackets can also be used. A switch can possess multiple ports, such thatmost of the network is connected directly to the switch, or anotherswitch that is in turn connected to a switch. The term “switch” can alsoinclude routers and bridges, as well as other devices that distributedata traffic by application content (e.g., a Web URL identifier).Switches may operate at one or more OSI model layers, includingphysical, data link, network, or transport (i.e., end-to-end). A devicethat operates simultaneously at more than one of these layers can beconsidered a multilayer switch. In certain embodiments, routers or otherlike networking devices may be used to forward data packets betweennetworks using headers and forwarding tables to determine an optimumpath through which to transmit the packets.

As employed herein, an application server may be a server that hosts anAPI to expose business logic and business processes for use by otherapplications. Examples of application servers include J2EE or Java EE 5application servers including Web Sphere Application Server. Otherexamples include Web Sphere Application Server Community Edition (IBM),Sybase Enterprise Application Server (Sybase Inc), WebLogic Server(BEA), JBoss (Red Hat), JRun (Adobe Systems), Apache Geronimo (ApacheSoftware Foundation), Oracle OC4J (Oracle Corporation), Sun Java SystemApplication Server (Sun Microsystems), and SAP Netweaver AS (ABAP/Java).Also, application servers may be provided in accordance with the .NETframework, including the Windows Communication Foundation, .NETRemoting, ADO.NET, and ASP.NET among several other components. Forexample, a Java Server Page (JSP) is a servlet that executes in a webcontainer which is functionally equivalent to CGI scripts. JSPs can beused to create HTML pages by embedding references to the server logicwithin the page. The application servers may mainly serve web-basedapplications, while other servers can perform as session initiationprotocol servers, for instance, or work with telephony networks.Specifications for enterprise application integration andservice-oriented architecture can be designed to connect many differentcomputer network elements. Such specifications include BusinessApplication Programming Interface, Web Services Interoperability, andJava EE Connector Architecture.

In various embodiments, computers and computer systems described hereinmay have the following main components: arithmetic and logic unit (ALU),control unit, memory, and input and output devices (I/O devices). Thesecomponents can be interconnected by busses, often comprising groups ofwires or cables. The control unit, ALU, registers, and basic I/O (andoften other hardware closely linked with these sections) can becollectively considered a central processing unit (CPU) for the computersystem. The CPU may be constructed on a single integrated circuit ormicroprocessor. The control unit (control system or central controller)directs the various components of a computer system. The control systemdecodes each instruction in a computer program and turns it into aseries of control signals that operate other components of the computersystem. To enhance performance or efficiency of operation, the controlsystem may alter the order of instructions. One component of the controlunit is the program counter, a memory register that tracks the locationin memory from which the next instruction is to be read.

The ALU is capable of performing arithmetic and logic operations. Theset of arithmetic operations that a particular ALU supports may belimited to adding and subtracting or might include multiplying ordividing, trigonometry functions (sine, cosine, etc.) and square roots.Some may be programmed to operate on whole numbers (integers), whileothers use floating point to represent real numbers, for example. An ALUmay also compare numbers and return Boolean truth values (e.g., true orfalse). Superscalar computers may contain multiple ALUs to facilitateprocessing multiple instructions at the same time. For example, graphicsprocessors and computers with SIMD and MIMD features often possess ALUsthat can perform arithmetic operations on vectors and matrices. Certaincomputer systems may include one or more RAM cache memories configuredto move more frequently needed data into the cache automatically.

Examples of peripherals that may be used in connection with certainembodiments of the invention include input/output devices such askeyboards, mice, screen displays, monitors, printers, hard disk drives,floppy disk drives, joysticks, and image scanners.

Embodiments described herein may divide functions between separate CPUs,creating a multiprocessing configuration. For example, multiprocessorand multi-core (multiple CPUs on a single integrated circuit) computersystems with co-processing capabilities may be employed. Also,multitasking may be employed as a computer processing technique tohandle simultaneous execution of multiple computer programs.

In various embodiments, the computer systems, data transmission devices,data storage media, or modules described herein may be configured and/orprogrammed to include one or more of the above-described electronic,computer-based elements and components, or computer architecture. Inaddition, these elements and components may be particularly configuredto execute the various rules, algorithms, programs, processes, andmethod steps described herein.

While the present methods and systems have been principally described inrelation to relatively large-scale diesel engines, it should berecognized that the invention is also useful in a wide variety of othertypes of internal combustion engines. For example, use of the presentmethods and systems in automotive applications is contemplated, such asin connection with automotive engines. Thus, whereas particularembodiments of the invention have been described herein for the purposeof illustrating the invention and not for the purpose of limiting thesame, it can be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art thatnumerous variations of the details, materials and arrangement of partsmay be made within the principle and scope of the invention withoutdeparting from the invention as described in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system, comprising: a control module of a fluidsystem of a machine; a battery; a fluid component; and an electricalcircuit configured to: electrically couple the battery to the controlmodule via the fluid component; and activate the control module when themachine is powered down.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the controlmodule comprises a disconnect switch.
 3. The system of claim 1, whereinthe control module comprises a processing device.
 4. The system of claim1, wherein the control module comprises at least one of the following:an audio indicator; a visual indicator; and an audiovisual indicator. 5.The system of claim 1, wherein the control module comprises a datastorage device.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the fluid systemcomprises at least one sensing device.
 7. The system of claim 1, whereinthe at least one sensing device is electrically coupled to the controlmodule.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the fluid component comprisesa pump.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the fluid component comprisesone of the following: a hand-held device; and an evacuation bracket. 10.The system of claim 1, wherein the fluid component comprises a deviceconfigured to supply at least one of the following: a positive fluidpressure to the fluid system; and a negative pressure to the fluidsystem.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the electrical circuit isfurther configured to communicate a signal to the activated controlmodule in association with a fluid operation performed on the fluidsystem.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the communicated signalrepresents at least one of the following: a time associated with thefluid operation; and a date associated with the fluid operation.
 13. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the electrical circuit is further configuredto activate the control module when the machine is in a dormant state.14. A system, comprising: a control module; a battery; a fluid componentconfigured to supply a negative fluid pressure to a fluid system of amachine; and an electrical circuit configured to: electrically couplethe battery to the fluid component; electrically couple the battery tothe control module via the fluid component; and activate the controlmodule when the machine is in a dormant state.
 15. The system of claim14, wherein the control module comprises a disconnect switch.
 16. Thesystem of claim 14, wherein the control module comprises a processingdevice.
 17. The system of claim 14, wherein the fluid component isfurther configured to supply a positive fluid pressure to the fluidsystem.
 18. The system of claim 14, wherein the fluid system comprisesat least one sensing device electrically coupled to the control module.19. The system of claim 14, wherein the electrical circuit is furtherconfigured to communicate a signal to the activated control module inassociation with a fluid operation performed on the fluid system.
 20. Asystem, comprising: a control module; a battery; a fluid componentconfigured to supply at least one of the following to a fluid system ofa machine: a positive fluid pressure; and a negative pressure; means foractivating the control module when the machine is powered down.